Syria crisis: two years of conflict

Two years since the crisis in Syria began, millions of people are in urgent need of aid. You can help.

Please donate to our Syria Crisis appeal>>

On 15 March 2011, a small group of demonstrators in Damascus staged a protest against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Within days, the protests had spread, and some demonstrators had been shot dead by government forces.

Two years on, the crisis has escalated beyond recognition, into a full-blown conflict.  An estimated 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting between government and rebel forces, and millions of people have been forced from their homes.

With no end in sight to the war, the humanitarian crisis is becoming worse by the day.  Thousands of people are fleeing the country every day, and many inside Syria are in desperate need of food, safe places to stay and emergency supplies.

Fawaz, one of millions of people whose lives have been turned upside down by the war, summed up the situation with these words: “Each Syrian you meet will tell you a different story, but they are all the same tragedy.”

Please help us deliver food and relief supplies to those most in need. Please donate to our Syria Crisis appeal>>

Prayer for the people of Syria

God of mercy,
Pour out your peace upon us all.
Watch over our brothers and sisters in Syria,
especially those who have fled their homes.
Lead them to a place of safety
and bring comfort to those who mourn.

Inspire us all to share the light of your hope,
and to reach out in a spirit of compassion.
Make us channels of your peace,
so all your children may live
free from fear, conflict and pain.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Prince of Peace.
Amen.

Catherine Gorman/CAFOD