Impact of Refugee Status on Syrian Refugee Children
Karthik Palaniappan
Background: Early ProtestsThe first major protests over corruption in Syria
occurred in the southern city of Daraa in March 2011.
They quickly spread to all of SyriaBy April 2011, the military started to quell the
protests with brutal force.
Background: Violence and Civil War
Government forces have utterly destroyed entire neighborhoods controlled by rebel forces
• By summer 2011, members of the military had defected to the protestors, and created the Free Syrian Army. The opposition was now armed.
• Violent clashes have killed over 100,000 people.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)9.3 million total Syrians have left their
homes, Over 6 million are displaced within the
countryThese are essentially ‘refugees’, but they do
not fall under the legal definition of refugee
Syrian Refugees outside the Middle East
Refugees in Neighboring Countries
Refugees Outside Camps80% of refugees in neighboring countries do
not live in refugee camps. This is about 1.6 million people
Many have found shelter in local communities and cities, especially with friends/family
Refugees in Camps: Zaatari104,883 people (as of February 25th, 2014)
Who are the refugees?Of the over 2 million, the UN estimates over
half are under 17 years oldOf this number, some 75% are under the
age of 12
Changes in Child Roles
Child LaborAccording to the UN, 41,962 female-headed
households in Jordan, and 36,622 in Lebanon3,700 children live without both parents40% of households report income coming
from a child under 18
Physical Health and Violence
Violence in Refugee CampsThere are near-daily anti-government
demonstrations in Zaatari. Children are forced to avoid tear gas and violence
Boys fight to get enough food and water from aid workers.
Riots often break out“Nine-year-olds are coming to the swings
armed”
Gender Based ViolenceGirls face the threat of sexual violence or
even are forced into prostitution, but both are rarely reported
“Early marriages” especially to older men are at a higher rate than in Syria.
Malnutrition/DiseaseAcross [Lebanon], almost 2,000 Syrian refugee
children under-five years of age are at risk of dying and need immediate treatment to survive.
Psychological Health
Fear is prevalent, especially among childrenGirls especially are often forbidden to leave
the house for safety concerns, except with a family member.
There is a general fear of the sounds of airplanes, as it evokes memories of the war
Among adolescents: 65% do not feel safe in the camp.
SadnessOne of the biggest mental health problems:
feeling sad and depressed over loss of friends in Syria:remembering them oftencrying most of the timewithdrawing
PTSD/Depression Symptoms
Children growing up knowing violence
“The teens are now disrespectful, defiant, and rudely talking like I’m a sibling, not parent”
Education
SchoolingIn Lebanon, 80% of Syrian refugee children
are not enrolled in school. School systems are already at saturation
Syrian children face discrimination and bullying from local children and teachers
Schools help bring a sense of ‘normalcy’ to children
They are safe environments for learning and play
Conclusions—Connecting the DotsChild labor and gender violence have been
exacerbated by the conflictExposure to violence contributes both to
physical and mental health issuesEducation continues to be a challengeWill mental health issues be an issue in the
future?
Implications for the FutureThese refugee children will be a part of
Syria’s future. The impacts of the war seen here will leave a mark on this entire generation
For future research: it will be interesting to follow up with these children and to better understand the long term impacts of the civil war
End on a Bright Note:Children are resilient, and things will improve once everyone goes back home
Questions?
