The Civil War in Syria is a crisis that has been on going for six long years, causing it to be labelled the deadliest conflict of the 21st century. It has seen over 450,000 Syrians killed and more than a million injured. At least 12 million, which is half of the country’s pre-war population, have fled their homes as refugees; the majority of refugees going to neighbouring countries Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq; a further million are seeking refuge within Europe. 6.1 million are displaced within Syria itself, with 700,000 stuck in besieged areas.
Between the thousands fighting for the rebels and for the government, thousands of innocent civilians are repeatedly being caught in the violent cross fire. At least half of these are children, who are at risk of becoming severely ill and malnourished. Civilian areas have been some of the latest military targets; hospitals in Aleppo and medical centres all over Syria are targets in airstrikes and bombing raids. The Syrian regime has now regained control of Aleppo, which it has maintained since December last year – but at what cost?
Syria’s children are quite possibly the war’s largest casualties. As well as being incredibly susceptible to disease, they are now having to work to support their families, are vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation, and are missing out on a valuable education. In addition to all this it has been reported that Syrian children are now suffering from something called ‘toxic stress’ and as a result are experiencing head and stomach aches, short term amnesia and nightmares. All of this comes as a result of the incredible and severe hardships they have faced over the last six years; seeing repeated bombing raids and fleeing ISIS. One young boy was forced to witness a public beheading with his family and now cannot sleep, instead insisting that someone is coming to kill him.
Children are known for being resilient, but these are things no child should have to witness. Damage done from the war is not just physical; the acts of violence they have seen are taking an immense toll on their mental health as well. So many both in Syria and among those who have escaped the war-torn country are in need of urgent humanitarian aid, requiring basics like clean water, sanitation services, medical support and clothing supplies.
Regardless of the massive humanitarian crisis that is occurring in Syria at the moment, the damage wreaked by the war also extends to the country’s economy. Even if the conflict ends within the next few years, their economic growth will continue to be muted. Since the war began in 2011, all components of the Syrian GDP have plunged. Exports lost 80 percent of their real value and in particular their oil output has dropped, with many of the Syrian oil fields being under the control of ISIS. The oil industry made up 30 percent of the country’s pre-ISIS exports. As well as exports, manufacturing, and agriculture being affected, there are also economic effects depending on which region of the country you are in—whether it is controlled by the government, the rebels, or ISIS. The fact that the government now controls the country’s largest city as well as their cultural and economic hub is looking to slowly speed up the death of the revolution. As to whether this will finally bring peace remains to be seen, however Syria’s future is looking very grim indeed. The economy has taken a huge hit, which is further exacerbated by the demographic problems caused by the refugee crisis.
The civilians of Syria are suffering and there is not enough being done to support and help them. Trump’s travel ban prevents all Syrian refugees from relocating to the United States, while the United Kingdom has recently backtracked on its pledge to take in child refugees, now only allowing 350 unaccompanied children in. This is a number that is thousands less than what was suggested by the government last year, who pledged to help children who had been stranded without their families. This a global refugee crisis and one that will not just go away – there are millions of people out there who need aid, and this is our problem too. We need to do our bit, in whatever way we can.
On April 9th there will be a fundraising event at the Sargood Centre hosted by the wonderful Tui Quartet. By attending you are doing your bit and giving a little to help the Syrian refugees in a big way. All proceeds from this fundraiser are going to the Syrian Red Cross appeal. Simply by being there, you can help to make the future for Syrian Refugees look a little brighter!
The online version of the article has relevant links and further information.