Visits War-Affected Areas, Meets Displaced Families and Humanitarian Organizations, Calls for Greater International Cooperation in Healthcare, Essential Services and Reconstruction
Iqra Khalid Pays Tribute to the Courage, Resilience and Perseverance of the Syrian People Despite Ongoing Challenges; Pledges to Continue Raising Her Voice for Humanitarian Assistance and Supporting Recovery Efforts in the Canadian Parliament
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
Canadian Member of Parliament Iqra Khalid undertook an important visit to Syria as part of a delegation comprising Canadian parliamentarians and representatives of various international humanitarian and charitable organizations. During the visit, she reviewed areas affected by the prolonged conflict, civilian communities, medical facilities and humanitarian assistance projects.
The primary objective of the visit was to gain first-hand insight into the humanitarian, medical and social challenges facing the Syrian people and to highlight the need for international cooperation in post-war reconstruction, recovery and the provision of essential services.
According to a statement issued by Iqra Khalid’s office, the visit took place from October 10 to 18, 2026. The delegation was led by the international medical and humanitarian organization UOSSM Canada, while the Canadian Arab Congress assisted with the arrangements and coordination of the visit.
Representatives of several prominent Canadian humanitarian and charitable organizations also participated in this important visit, including Human Concern International, Human Appeal, Hands for Charity, ICNA Relief, IDRF, Action for Humanity and Islamic Relief Canada.
The participation of these organizations aimed to assess humanitarian needs, ongoing relief activities and efforts being undertaken to support the recovery of affected communities in Syria.
During the visit, the Canadian parliamentary and humanitarian delegation travelled to Daraya, Damascus, Tartus, Aleppo, Hama and other areas.
On this occasion, delegation members closely observed the current conditions of war-affected communities, the availability of medical facilities, damage to infrastructure, housing challenges and the everyday difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
The delegation also held meetings with local Syrian residents, affected families, medical professionals and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Discussions focused on the humanitarian and social consequences of a conflict that has continued for more than a decade, challenges facing the healthcare sector and the measures required for future recovery and rehabilitation.
During these meetings, particular attention was also given to the fact that emergency assistance alone is not sufficient to restore normal life in conflict-affected areas. Long-term and coordinated planning is essential to rebuild healthcare and education systems, restore housing and infrastructure, and ensure the availability of other essential public services.
Describing her visit to Syria as an extremely important, emotional and informative experience, Iqra Khalid said that the hospitality, dignity, courage and determination of the Syrian people to remain steadfast even under the most difficult circumstances had left a profound impression on her.
She said that the courage and resilience demonstrated by the Syrian people despite years of conflict and prolonged hardships were truly commendable.
Meeting affected families and listening directly to their experiences further reinforced the understanding that humanitarian compassion, international solidarity and practical cooperation remain essential.
Other Canadian Members of Parliament also accompanied Iqra Khalid on this visit, including Greg Fergus, Dr. Marcus Powlowski, Dr. Jacques Ramsay, Aslam Rana, Abdulhaq Sari, Salma Zahid and Sameer Zuberi.
Iqra Khalid appreciated the contributions and cooperation of all participating parliamentarians, the Canadian Arab Congress and representatives of humanitarian organizations. She said that joint efforts by different institutions and representatives can play an important role in understanding humanitarian challenges, highlighting the needs of affected communities and making relief activities more effective.
Iqra Khalid expressed her commitment to continuing to highlight the observations and information gathered during her visit to Syria in the Canadian Parliament, ensuring that the challenges facing war-affected Syrian civilians remain on the agenda and encouraging further initiatives to strengthen humanitarian assistance.
In particular, she emphasized the need for greater international cooperation to improve healthcare facilities, expand access to medical assistance, rebuild infrastructure, support affected families and advance humanitarian welfare projects.
She stated that addressing the challenges facing the Syrian people should not be limited to expressions of sympathy; practical measures and sustained cooperation, in accordance with the needs of affected communities, are equally essential.
Iqra Khalid also thanked the Syrian people for their warm welcome to the delegation, saying that their hospitality, dignity and determination to restore normal life despite immense difficulties would remain a memorable experience for her.
The visit to Syria provided Canadian parliamentary representatives with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the realities facing communities affected by war. It also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in humanitarian assistance, healthcare provision and post-war reconstruction.
Iqra Khalid’s commitment to continuing to raise the concerns of the Syrian people in the Canadian Parliament stands out as one of the key messages of this important visit.
