By Wida Arzow Azizi | Development Coordinator, Concern Worldwide US
Each passing year presents Syrian people with a new set of challenges to their survival as they continue to be forgotten about by the rest of the world.It is estimated that over half a million lives have been lost since the outbreak of civil war in2011, but it could be years before the true cost of human life is counted. Concern Worldwide remains committed to providing life-saving assistance to those left vulnerable and unprotected, and we have not forgotten the extraordinary trauma faced by this population. It is worthy of mention that prior to the start of the violence, only 10% of the Syrian population lived below the international poverty line, and today, 80% live below it. This is one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, and while it is a cruel reality that there is no clear solution as we near the end of 2023, it is crucial that our work continues.
Concern Worldwide has maintained a presence in Syria since 2013 and works diligently in the neighboring countries of Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq, where over 7 million Syrians sought refuge following the outbreak of conflict. Host communities have become increasingly over-burdened as they attempt to meet the needs of their own growing populations, and the struggle of Syrians to rebuild their lives in foreign places has not become easier. Our programs aim to ease pressures on countries that welcome and host refugees, build the resilience of refugees and expand access to settlements or offer complementary pathways.Concern’s main areas of focus in Syrian refugee camps consist of the following:
As though the crisis was not complex enough, two devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in February of 2023 created a newfound crisis altogether and intensified the severity of pre-existing ones. Over 50,000 people lost their lives, and Syrian people already struggling to rebuild their lives had to start from scratch with even less than what they had before. Our teams were on the ground within hours conducting rapid responses, providing shelter items, food assistance, and water sanitation, hygiene, and protection services.
The impact of 13 years of ongoing civil conflict and displacement is stark: most Syrian children have been born after the onset of conflict and have become accustomed to living in a constant state of uncertainty and instability, while resources continue to diminish, and funding shortages severely impact the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide adequate relief and assistance. Earlier this year in October 2023, an escalation of violence in Northwest Syria resulted in over 70 civilian deaths and the displacement of over 120,000 people. Intensified hostilities make the work of organizations like Concern increasingly difficult, however they also necessitate humanitarian responses. Our work must continue to provide relief to those suffering through no fault of their own.
The number of people in need continues to rise after over a decade of conflict, economic disparity, and the ongoing battle against hunger and malnutrition. Dealing with the bitter cold of the winters, the sweltering heat of the summers, and everything in between becomes increasingly difficult for those caught in a cycle of poverty that expands across generations. Our holistic and tailored response aims to address the needs of this population that has been failed by the world, and sad stories are not the only ones that exist.
Concern’s livelihood programs aim to support communities to build economic security and stability through various activities, including agricultural assistance, vocational and technical trainings. Being able to generate a sustainable income is key for those who continue to live in exile from their home place because of the conflict in Syria. Hasa*, a Syrian woman, opens her salon doors to Concern and tells us that she is a young widow; she lost her husband during the conflict, leaving her to support their young daughter and other family members. Life changed for her when she heard about Concern’s livelihoods program, which has been running in Northern Syria since 2016, and provides training in areas such as hairdressing, carpet weaving, computer/smart phone maintenance and electric motor rewiring.
“I am so happy to get my own shop, and to have contact more with other people; at the same time, I’m happy I can depend on myself to secure an income for myself and my daughter.” Hasa* said that while providing financial security for her family, she feels that her confidence has been boosted by taking part in the program.
Living through such tumultuous times with the trauma of the world readily available at our fingertips has caused us to become increasingly desensitized to witnessing the suffering of others. We have learned how to normalize the extreme, even as the humanitarian situation in Syria and neighboring countries continues to rapidly deteriorate.Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, Concern Worldwide continues to be dedicated to reducing the suffering of this population, but there is more than can be done – with enough resources. It is vital that our work continues, and the people of Syria are not forgotten about.
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