Manchester-based humanitarian charity Human Appeal has today launched a report that highlights the detrimental impact of the decade-long conflict in Syria on children.
Today marks ten years since war broke out, and in addition to the unimaginable death toll, millions of Syrians are still displaced and unable to return home. Living among these families, of whom nine in 10 are in poverty, are 2.6 million children.
Human Appeal has been active in Syria since the start of the conflict a decade ago, and has delivered vital emergency aid in the form of food, water, sanitation and hygiene projects. The charity also operates out of Al Imaan Hospital for Women & Children, which has carried out lifesaving operations and delivered babies safely, despite having to relocate after being targeted by drone strikes.
‘Lost in a Decade’ highlights some of the shocking statistics behind how the conflict has affected Syrian children. Over 22,000 are estimated to have died as a result of the war, three quarters are at increased risk of violence and abuse, 2.45 million children are not in school, and nearly all of Syria’s 14 Governorates have reported instances of child labour. COPVID-19 has only made things worse, robbing children of their parents and pushing 50% more out of education in northern Syria.
But the charity is hoping people will look beyond statistics, and to the tragic real-life stories behind the numbers. The report highlights the heartbreaking stories of Ayman and Majed, only 11 and nine, who go to work just to help their family eat, and Mayda, 12, who has no choice but to live in a tent that floods and causes disease.
Dr Mohamed Ashmawey, Human Appeal CEO said:
“It is a tragedy that this report has had to be written, but I am proud that Human Appeal is leading the way in turning back the tide of destruction that the conflict in Syria has wrought upon generations to come.
“It is unacceptable that children are being born in ill-equipped refugee camps, and will only have memories of deprivation, amid rows of tents that can barely protect them from the outside world.
“I urge everyone to read this report and to consider what role they can play in rescuing a generation of Syrian children from knowing only conflict for their entire lives. The world must act now.”
‘Lost in a Decade: Why the world must act now to save a generation of internally displaced children from the deadly legacies of Syria’s war’ is available on Human Appeal’s website at: https://humanappeal.org.uk/
