In 2011, citizens in many Arab countries – including Syria – took to the streets in peaceful protest of decades-long dictatorial regimes. The Syrian government’s response to these demonstrations contributed to the outbreak of a prolonged civil conflict that has caused widespread displacement, loss of life, and destruction throughout the country. In 2023, on top of the destruction of war, a 7.8 earthquake left parts of Northwest Syria further devastated. 

At the end of 2024, one of the main opposition groups captured the capital Damascus, toppling the decades-long Assad regime. Syrians currently account for the largest number of forcibly displaced people in the world. According to 2024 data from the UNHCR, there are 5.5 million refugees from Syria, with another 7.4 million Syrians internally displaced.  

Since 2012, Syrians have accounted for over 7% of all those admitted to the U.S. through the Refugee Admissions Program. Over the last decade, the U.S. has resettled close to 60,000 Syrians.  

Additional resources for providers supporting Syrian children and youth are below.