The joint responses focused on assisting vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises, economic instability, regional conflict-related refugee influxes, COVID, Cholera, and the 2023 earthquake. The recent changes in government, with the fall of the Assad-regime, however, have meant that our programmes had to adjust to new circumstances. Although they remain aligned with the original project proposals, this new reality provides both a requirement and an opportunity for our partners and ourselves to reassess and modify approaches. This article outlines two important changes the Joint Responses have implemented over the last period:

As population movements shifted, both with Syrians returning to Syria and others displaced internally after the fall of the Assad regime, needs were varying across regions. Camps were closing in certain locations, while others started to experience increased demands. To respond effectively, our teams and local partners had to adapt their approaches. Thanks to the flexible funding from the Dutch Relief Alliance, the teams were able to shift budget to where it is needed most. This allowed resources to be redirected where most needed. For instance, to support risk-awareness sessions about unexploded remnants of war in North-West Syria, or to address new displacement in the South following military operations during the government transition.

The second change centred on our growing shift toward recovery-focused humanitarian support to continue meeting people’s evolving needs. For over a decade, the Alliance partners have focused on life-saving interventions, but we now see an important window of opportunity to help strengthen community resilience. While initial steps toward easing sanctions have begun, significant challenges remain in helping Syrians recover from years of conflict, disaster, and poverty. In this context, we are deeply concerned by recent outbreaks of violence and are closely monitoring their impact on the most vulnerable communities.

As Dutch Relief Alliance, we are appreciative to the Dutch government for its support, and we remain engaged with them and other donors to advocate for the recovery and rehabilitation of Syria. Our commitment to delivering essential aid in the face of ongoing challenges, and building a pathway towards long-term resilience, continues.

Photo credit: War Child