At On The Ground 2030, we have witnessed firsthand the harrowing impact of the ongoing war in Syria on those who have sought refuge in Turkey. The people we serve are not just survivors of war, but individuals whose spirits and livelihoods have been shattered by years of violence, displacement, and despair. As an organization committed to improving the lives of Syrian refugees, we are compelled to share their story, a story of survival, trauma, and the longing for home—yet one that feels increasingly unreachable.

The Scale of the Crisis: Syria’s Refugees in Turkey

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Turkey is home to over 3.6 million Syrian refugees, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. These figures represent not just numbers, but families, individuals, and communities that have experienced the ravages of war, including bombings, violence, loss of loved ones, and the destruction of their homes and livelihoods.

While many of these refugees fled Syria in search of safety, they did so carrying the heavy burden of trauma. After more than a decade of violence, the scars are deep, and the journey toward healing is anything but simple.

The Psychological Wounds of War: Trauma That Won’t Fade

At On The Ground 2030, we understand that the suffering of refugees is not confined to their immediate physical needs. Beyond the visible signs of displacement—such as the lack of food, water, and shelter—there lies an invisible struggle: trauma. The majority of Syrian refugees in Turkey have witnessed or experienced unimaginable horrors: bombings, massacres, forced displacement, and the loss of loved ones. These traumatic experiences have left indelible marks on their mental health, making it exceedingly difficult for many to even consider returning home.

Psychological trauma is a powerful and complex issue. For the refugees we work with, it is not merely about the fear of physical danger but the overwhelming emotional scars. Many have lived in constant fear for their lives. Some have seen their homes reduced to rubble; others have had to bury family members or watch children suffer. For children, the trauma can be even more devastating, as they often grow up with memories of violence and loss.

The psychological effects of war are long-lasting. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are widespread, affecting both the adults and the children in these refugee communities. Tragically, this trauma often goes untreated due to a lack of resources and mental health support, leaving refugees trapped in a cycle of suffering.

A Desire to Return Home: But No Safe Place to Go

While there is an undeniable desire among many refugees to return to their homeland, the road to return is fraught with barriers. For many, the idea of returning to Syria is not just physically dangerous but emotionally unbearable. The war that displaced them is still ongoing, and even in areas where fighting has subsided, the psychological wounds remain.

Many refugees tell us that they cannot imagine going back to a country where they have lost everything: their homes, their families, their sense of safety. Even if they were to return, there is the constant fear of being caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts, or even being subjected to reprisals for fleeing in the first place. As long as Syria remains in turmoil, home is not a safe haven; it is a painful reminder of all that has been lost.

The trauma of displacement and loss also makes reintegration into society in Syria feel almost impossible. For those who have been away for years, returning to a country that has been ravaged by war means they must start over—rebuild their homes, their livelihoods, and their relationships—often in an environment that no longer resembles the one they left behind.

On The Ground 2030: A Lifeline for Refugees

At On The Ground 2030, we understand the complexities of trauma and displacement. Our team is dedicated to providing not just immediate relief, but also long-term support for the refugees who have sought shelter in Turkey. In addition to providing life-saving essentials like food, clean water, clothing, and hygiene products, we offer comprehensive support that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of refugees.