2016 LB049 New Pathways Psychosocial and Educational Support for the Recovery of Vulnerable Syrian Children Phase II

The civilian population in all Governorates in Syria are directly affected by the violent conflict borne out of popular protests for democratic change that began in March 2011. Many have been forced to flee their homes and to seek protection in other neighbourhoods, Governorates or to leave for other countries. Many civilians are trapped in their communities, under siege by armed groups for up to two years, and are highly vulnerable. 10.8 million people are affected and in need of assistance in Syria, including over 90 per cent of Palestinian refugees. Urban areas that have endured continuous fighting and intense use of heavy weaponry are either damaged or completely destroyed. <p></p> At the time of writing the proposal for phase 1, in February 2013, the death toll in Syria was 70,000 and one million children were internally displaced. As of July 2014, the death toll is an estimated 170,000 and three million children have been displaced, often multiple times. According to the United Nations (UN), as of June 2014, more than half of Syria’s school age children no longer attend school. The rate of school enrolment is now the second lowest in the world. At least 23 percent of school buildings are no longer in use because they have been damaged or destroyed, or are being used as shelters for displaced persons. Further, an estimated 60 percent of hospitals in Syria are damaged or destroyed. The UN estimates that 20 percent of people in Syria do not have enough basic food to meet their daily needs for survival. 81 percent of children spoken to for War Child’s CRSA feel that protection and safety are their most urgent concerns.<p></p> Parents and caretakers in Syria are themselves affected by the unrest, and their inability to fulfil their support role for children compounds and exacerbates child protection risks, such as child labour, child marriage, and recruitment into armed forces/armed groups. The interrelation between exposure to and threats from such risks and a child’s ability to continue their education in Syria deepens their immediate vulnerabilities and seriously threatens their future prospects and potential.