lessons from europe: how we can welcome refugees. a syrian perspective on the crisis

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Lessons from Europe: How We Can Welcome Refugees

A Syrian perspective on the crisis

Dr Monther AlhamdooshConsultative Board Member

Australian Syrian Association Victoria

Outline

The Australian Syrian Association Victoria The severity of the crisis Causes of the problem The 12,000 refugees who are supposed to

come to Australia

The Australian Syrian Association Victoria

Who are we? Australian Syrians. All are volunteers

What do we do? Raising awareness, Demonstration rallies, Information, forums,

Seminars, Community activities: Free BBQ, Fun Run, etc. How do we help?

Providing humanitarian aids to the people INSIDE Syria Fund

The severity of the crisis

> 16 millions need urgent assistance

> 12 millions displaced from their homes

> 4 millions fled the country > 200,000 were killed Around 300-400 thousand

imprisoned

The severity of the crisis

Children have no education since 3 years ⇒ a generation is lost Assad’s regime destroyed more than 4,000

schools Many schools became shelter for displaced

people Women are vulnerable

The severity of the crisis

No medical services More than half of the hospitals have been

targeted by the regime Lack of basic needs ⇒ the economy

deteriorated

Causes of the problem

Why do we have large number of Syrian refugees? The Assad’s regime caused more than 4 millions

to flee their homes between 2011 and 2013 ISIS made it worse by prosecuting people who

have different ideology from it Both entities do not distinguish between

Christian, Kurd or Muslim Sunnis. The prolonged crisis ~ 5 years

Causes of the problem

How to stop people from leaving Syria? Get rid of Assad’s regime and its allies (first priority) Get rid of ISIS

The 12,000 refugees who are supposed to come to

Australia Is it enough?

Turkey only hosts 2 millions Jordan 800 thousands Lebanon around 1.2 millions

Minority vs majority 85% of Syrian Muslims 10 % Christians

The 12,000 refugees who are supposed to come to

Australia How can we help them integrate with the society?

Help them find houses (not easy to rent for new arrivals) to settle

Help them learn the language Help them find jobs when they arrive Provide psychological support to children

(traumatized) Any help is highly appreciated and needed.

Contact us

Australian Syrian Association Victoria P.O. Box 274, Fawkner, Victoria 3060 Email: contact@asavic.org.au Phone: 0416 866 983 Website: www.asavic.org.au Facebook: asaoz