Syria continues to face extreme displacement inside and across its borders and the destruction of civilian and social service infrastructure due to years of ongoing conflict, resulting in some of the world’s harshest socioeconomic conditions. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 90% of individuals in Syria today live in poverty. With depleted resources, limited employment opportunities, skyrocketing prices and a shortage of basic supplies, more than 14.6 million Syrians desperately need humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, years of conflict in Syria have caused many facilities and institutions to become unusable. For instance, a third of all schools and health care facilities in Syria are no longer used for their original purposes but rather have been destroyed, damaged or used for shelter or military purposes.

Recent Earthquake Devastation

Early last year, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey near the Syria border, followed by another 7.5 magnitude earthquake. These were the most devastating earthquakes to hit the Turkey-Syria region in more than 20 years. It killed more than 55,000 people and left millions homeless, often in overcrowded temporary shelters.

Of the 15.3 million Syrians who remained in the country afterward, 85% of the population is estimated to require humanitarian assistance. More than 12 million face food insecurity, only about half of all hospitals are fully functional and more than two million children are out of school indefinitely. As a result, Syria continues to be the world’s largest refugee crisis, representing nearly 25% of the total global refugee population.

About Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide, founded in 1968, is an international humanitarian organization working in 26 countries to free disadvantaged individuals from poverty, fear and oppression. Composed of 4,700 diligent humanitarians, Concern has reached more than 25 million underprivileged individuals, focusing on six areas: livelihoods, health and nutrition, education, gender equality and innovations and emergencies. In terms of emergencies, it helps communities affected by natural disasters, assisting them to rebuild long-lasting resilience through sustainable methods.

In the wake of the recent earthquake, Concern responded in hours, delivering emergency supplies and providing shelter, food, cash, clean water, sanitation and psychosocial support. Its efforts range from short-term reliefs to long-term support by erecting tents, installing latrines and building clean water systems. A year in, it has successfully helped more than 375,000 individuals. Concern has committed to supporting those who are worse affected until they can stand on their feet again and rebuild their lives.

Multi-Faceted Approach

Concern Worldwide focuses on emergency response and has various other departments, including a community-based focus on women and children, to raise awareness and break down social barriers. In addition to increased access to health services, optimal child care training and treating acute malnutrition in children, it provides a 14-month package that includes business skills training, general coaching, financial literacy, home savings management and entrepreneurship skills. Concern intervenes at the local and national government levels to uplift individuals in Syria and other poverty-stricken countries and allow them to choose their future.

– Kewe Chen

Kewe is based in Memphis, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr