May 3, 2025
Syria: A future in peace for refugee children?
Fourteen years ago, on March 15, 2011, courageous people took to the streets in Daraa, Damascus, and Aleppo to demand freedom and justice. What followed, however, was a long and bloody conflict. Millions of Syrians have since been forced to seek refuge in other countries. But now, after the surprisingly peaceful overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2014, a new sense of hope fills the streets of Syria for the first time in over a decade.
Hope and fear are now closely intertwined: On April 5, a transitional constitution came into effect, granting interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa sweeping powers and disappointing the democratic hopes of many. On the same day, a new cabinet was presented – a move seen as a sign of greater transparency, but whose appointments could cement old power structures.
Four months after Assad's fall, the situation in the country remains unstable. The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, faces the challenge of integrating all of the country's minorities and ensuring their participation in the reconstruction process. The surprising agreement between the Syrian central government and the Kurdish self-administration in northeastern Syria is creating new dynamics.
But the recent massacres of the Alawite minority have severely shaken hopes for a peaceful and self-determined future. Sectarian violence threatens the country's stability, while external actors pursue geopolitical interests. Furthermore, Israeli attacks in the south and Turkish military operations in the north are exacerbating tensions and could trigger a new wave of refugees. The initial euphoria is increasingly giving way to uncertainty and fear. The violence of recent weeks has left deep wounds and further strained the fragile balance. And the pressing question is how the grave human rights violations of recent years can be addressed both socially and legally.
Our partner organizations in neighboring countries report on the diverse challenges and hopes faced by Syrian exiles. The fall of the Assad regime has created both opportunities and uncertainties for Syrians in exile. While some hope to return to their homeland, many are concerned about safety, infrastructure, and access to basic services in Syria.
Particularly in Turkey, which hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, the political discourse surrounding them has led to increased insecurity. The economic crisis and rising racism are making life difficult for Syrian refugees. In countries like Lebanon, there is increased pressure from the authorities and stricter residency regulations. In Jordan, for example, school fees will be introduced starting in the 2025/2026 school year, which will prevent more refugee children from attending school.
The majority of Syrians in neighboring countries do not plan to return, primarily due to security concerns, a lack of infrastructure, and economic insecurity in Syria. Simply going back is not an option, given the significant dangers. Families and children, in particular, are very hesitant. Security risks, economic conditions, and a lack of guarantees against persecution influence the decisions of refugees. Short visits to Syria are possible from Turkey, but these carry risks to refugee status. While these visits are important for assessing the situation on the ground, they also pose the risk of losing protected status.
Ethnic and religious affiliations, as well as political affiliations, complicate returns. Kurds and Alevis, in particular, are concerned about their safety upon return. Some refugees, such as those in Kurdistan, believe they will never be able to return due to their ethnic or religious background. Events like prisoner releases and the fate of the missing are taking a toll on the mental health of refugees, especially children and families. In Lebanon and Jordan, there is an urgent need for psychosocial support and trauma counseling. The psychological burden is especially high for survivors of torture and imprisonment.
Since December 2024, according to UNICEF and UNHCR, only a few thousand people have returned to Syria, while millions remain in exile in neighboring countries. These figures highlight the ongoing insecurity and the grave dangers that make a return impossible for many. For children and families in particular, this means they must continue to live in precarious circumstances, without the security and stability they desperately need.
Syrians in exile have made significant contributions to the societies of their respective host countries in recent years. It is crucial that they are not simply confronted with new uncertainties. Rather, it is essential to work with them to develop a plan for their future – whether in Syria or in exile. The international community is called upon to intensify its efforts to enable these people to have a safe and dignified future. Germany and the international community should work to uphold the rights of refugees and grant them greater autonomy in choosing their safe place of residence.
How Terre des Hommes helps in neighboring countries
Lebanon
1.5 million refugees from Syria
Around 90 percent of refugees live in poverty, and about 60 percent of Syrian children of school age do not attend school. Many children are also affected by child labor. The economic crisis, the unstable situation in Lebanon, and the Israeli attacks are further exacerbating the situation.
The Lebanese government has long attempted to deport Syrians, even though they often face danger in Syria. While many Syrians return, the situation remains too unsafe for the majority. Due to this dramatic situation, Lebanon has become a transit country for irregular migration to Europe – often, the only option left, due to a lack of legal pathways, is the perilous journey by sea.
The Cedar Centre for Legal Studies (CCLS) advocates for the rights of Syrian refugees by providing them with legal assistance and representing them in Lebanese courts. It also campaigns against unlawful deportations and documents human rights violations.
"For Syrians in exile, the current situation primarily means uncertainty, an increased risk of deportation, and a deterioration of social and economic conditions in the host countries."
Jordan
1.3 million refugees from Syria
Jordan is currently home to approximately 1.3 million Syrian refugees, representing about 20 percent of the country's total population. More than 80 percent of these refugees live below the poverty line and have little access to basic necessities, education, and medical care. Many families are forced to take on debt for food or work under precarious conditions. The country's economic situation further exacerbates this situation. Children are particularly affected, as their education and overall well-being are significantly impacted by these difficult living conditions.
The Soldiers Family Welfare Society (SFWS) supports vulnerable children, young people, and their families in Zarqa through psychosocial support, healthcare, and educational programs. It also promotes income-generating activities for women and strengthens coexistence between the local population and refugee communities.
"People suffer from fear and trauma – because of what they have experienced in prisons or because they have been waiting for the release of close relatives who died there."
Türkiye
3.6 million refugees from Syria
Turkey currently hosts more refugees than almost any other country – most of them from Syria. Nearly two-thirds of children and young people do not attend school, which severely jeopardizes their future. Many have to work to support their families – often under exploitative conditions. This leads to severe physical and mental strain. Girls are particularly disadvantaged: they are more likely to be married off at a young age or excluded from school.
The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) in Turkey supports refugee children with educational opportunities, empowerment programs, and legal assistance. It organizes online training, provides school supplies, strengthens communities through training, and advocates for safe and creative spaces for children.
"Many children have spent their entire lives in exile and have grown up in host countries such as Turkey, where they have integrated into the local communities."
Iraq
260,000 – 400,000 refugees from Syria
Many of the refugees come from the Kurdish regions of Syria. Particularly in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, many Syrian Kurds have found refuge. Despite the relative safety in some parts of Kurdistan, Syrian refugees, especially children, suffer from persistently precarious living conditions. Poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and the uncertain legal situation pose significant challenges.
Green Desert (GD) is an Iraqi non-governmental organization based in Erbil that works to promote mental health, child protection, and gender equality. It provides psychosocial support, strengthens state protection structures, and encourages reflection on concepts of masculinity in communities in Mosul, Kirkuk, and Erbil.