REGIONAL NEEDS OVERVIEW 2021 - REGIONAL REFUGEE AND RESILIENCE PLAN - 3RP Syria Crisis
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REGIONAL REGIONAL REFUGEE
AND RESILIENCE PLAN
NEEDS
OVERVIEW
2021
@3RPSYRIA
W W W. 3RPSYRIACRISIS.ORG
Contents
Click on the
topics below
Executive Summary
Key Data 4
Regional Context Analysis 6
Large-scale Displacement 8
Socio-economic Outlook 9
COVID-19 10
Demographic Characteristics 11
Regional Needs & Vulnerabilities 12
Protecting People 14
Pursing Durable Solutions 16
Supporting Dignified Lives 18
Enhancing National & Local Capacities 22
Country Contexts 24
Turkey 26
Lebanon 28
Jordan 30
Iraq 32
Egypt 34
Links and Sources 36
Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Executive
Summary
The Syria refugee crisis remains the region early in the year and was followed Methodological
the largest humanitarian and by other waves that at the time of writing considerations
continue to impact the lives of millions of
development crises in the
refugees and host communities alike. Similarly, The Regional Needs Overview
world. Across the five main (RNO) of the 3RP is the first
in the context of a global economic recession,
Syrian-refugee hosting countries host countries have further stretched thin the document of this kind that
including under the 3RP – Turkey, resources needed to fund services in support of complements and informs a
Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt the vulnerable population. Economic forecasts
Regional Response Plan. While
all regional crises around the
– over 10 million people need for 3RP countries in 2020 and beyond have been
world build their narratives
some form of humanitarian and progressively downward revised from early 2020,
and responses around country-
resilience support going into especially in Lebanon where compounding crises specific needs assessments, this
2021. This includes some 5.5 have had devastating effects. Rises in levels of RNO also aims at streamlining
million Syrian refugees and 4.8 unemployment, income and multidimensional and identifying common trends
poverty, and food insecurity are among the and dynamics that may impact
million impacted host community
greatest factors driving individual need in the the region alike. It is therefore
members, which is the highest essential to recognise and praise
short-term. The high youth population across
number of people in need of the region places stressors on the limited the efforts made by different
some form of assistance in this capacities of education and livelihoods sectors. actors and stakeholders involved
crisis, in nearly a decade. Additional demographic pressures are a result
in this process and taking this
document as a starting point for
of worsening social cohesion due to competition
future publications.
Alongside the record numbers of people in over limited resources, services, and
need, the level of vulnerability among refugees opportunities. At a time where the social fabric Before reading, it is therefore
and impacted host community members is is under pressure, violence against women and important to share some
growing. Five key underlying trends are driving risks of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continue methodological considerations.
this need: the effects of large-scale protracted to be reported across the region. Moreover, the First of all, countries employ
displacement, macroeconomic forecasts, broader health impacts driven by COVID-19 will various methodologies, and data
socioeconomic conditions, COVID-19, and also entail long term consequences for the most availability varies across the
demographic pressures. These interlinked trends vulnerable people. region. Second, similar types of
have worsened existing structural and individual assessments undertaken in other
Against this backdrop, a clear set of regional countries by the same agency
vulnerabilities and, in some cases, created new
needs have emerged. Protection-related consider different information,
vulnerabilities, with long-term effects yet to be
intersectional needs, particularly those based on available secondary
fully measured. The trends have also deepened
related to legal status, gender, age and specific data. Third, at the time of
pre-existing inequalities, the most pervasive writing, new waves of COVID-19
needs, have been highlighted across regional
being gender inequality. pandemic are unfolding globally,
assessments. Syrian refugees additionally
and across the region, the depth
This 3RP Regional Needs Overview (RNO) continue to need opportunities for durable
of the needs will continue to
provides a consolidated overview of the solutions. The need for broader availability
evolve and grow.
needs and vulnerabilities of refugees and and improved quality of education, livelihoods
impacted host community members at both the opportunities and access to quality food and More information is available
regional and country level based on the data health care is essential. With rises in the use on the 3RP regional and country
and information from over 100 assessments of negative coping mechanisms by vulnerable websites, including detailed
and studies conducted throughout 2020. It is individuals observed across the region, support needs analyses.
intended to inform 3RP regional and country- to address these needs, among others, is
level planning for 2021 and beyond, as well as critical. Enhancing local capacities, specifically
further research and policy efforts. While the infrastructure, service provision, and social
scale and scope of needs vary across the 3RP safety net programmes, is a critical element to
countries, a common regional picture emerges, ensure that the needs of vulnerable individuals
in addition to the specific country dynamics. can be met in the medium and long-term by
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic hit first building resilience. http://www.3rpsyriacrisis.org
Regional Needs Overview November 2020
TURKEY
Population
3,635,410
registered Syrian refugees
3,635,410
projected registered Syrian
refugees by December 2020
3,635,410
estimated total number
of Syrians
1,800,000
number of impacted host
community members
SYRIA
LEBANON
879,529
registered Syrian refugees
800,000
projected registered Syrian
refugees by December 2020 IRAQ
1,500,000 241,738
estimated total number registered Syrian refugees
of Syrians
255,000
1,500,000 projected registered Syrian
number of impacted host refugees by December 2020
community members
245,810
estimated total number
of Syrians
231,938
number of impacted host
community members
JORDAN
661,997
registered Syrian refugees
633,314
projected registered Syrian
refugees by December 2020
1,300,000
estimated total number
of Syrians
EGYPT
520,000 *
130,187 number of impacted host
registered Syrian refugees community members
136,000
projected registered Syrian REGIONAL
refugees by December 2020
500,000
estimated total number
TOTAL
of Syrians
804,480 **
number of impacted host 5,580,518 **
community members
registered Syrian refugees
5,400,683
projected registered Syrian
refugees by December 2020
7,122,179
estimated total number
of Syrians
Additional
data
* Numbers are based on 2020 figure
4,856,418
** The Regional total includes number of impacted host
31,657 Syrian refugees in North Africa
community members
Figures as of 18 November 2020
4
Key Facts
Social Cohesion Informal Emplyment
Around two-in-five host community Informal employment is particularly high
members believe that the cost of living in their among women and even more for women
neighbourhood increased due to the presence who are heading households.
of refugees.
In Turkey, 42,2% of women working within the
Additional
informal employment sector as carers, cleaners
data and seasonal workers are without social security.
Gender-based Violence Situation
In Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, violence against women was The socio-economic impact of movement
one of the main reasons women felt unsafe in their restrictions and lockdowns has been dramatic.
homes, with nearly 1 in 3 women fearing domestic In Lebanon, according to the recently completed
violence (by husband or family). annual Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian
Refugees 88% of the total refugee population
cannot afford the Survival Minimum Expenditure
Basket, compared 55% at the end of 2019.
Host Communities Digital Divide
The region’s 2020 GDP growth has been downgraded The digital divide is exacerbating inequalities,
by 7.4 % points on average. Particularly, self-employed, particularly gender inequalities, in the access to
informal sector workers lacking social protection, skills development, livelihoods opportunities,
and individuals working in sectors directly hit by the as well as social assistance. In the Arab region,
COVID-19 crisis, such as tourism, retail, textile, and nearly half of the female population of 84 million
garment industries are at risk of falling into poverty. is not connected to the internet nor has access to
Additional a mobile phone.
data
Residence Gender and Youth
95 % of Syrian refugees within the region are living Some 45 % of Syrian refugees within the region are
in urban and peri-urban areas, while 5% are living in below the age of 18. Some 45% of host community
refugee camps. populations are below the age of 24.
Some 44 % of Syrian refugees within the region are
95% female. Some 49% of host community populations
within the region are female.
Return People with Disabilities
A strong majority of Syrians wish to return to Syria one Global estimates suggest that 15 % of the refugee
day, a much smaller number plan to return to Syria population are people with disabilities.
in the near future. The key issues influencing return
intentions include safety and security, livelihoods
opportunities, access to shelter and access to basic
services.
Return (regional) 2018 Resettlement (regional)
2019
2020
150 k
12,000
9,000 100 k
Number of
6,000 Resettlement
50 k
3,000 Submissions
0 Number of 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Resettlement 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Departures
5
Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Regional The needs of Syrian refugees and
their host communities in the 3RP
countries are shaped by several
refugees of other nationalities,
as well as stateless and other
Context
persons of concern.
key regional trends.
The unprecedented political,
Analysis These trends include large-
scale protracted displacement,
economic and social situation
across the region, in the face
macroeconomic trends and of the COVID-19 pandemic and
socio-economic conditions, other myriad challenges, has
the compounding and multi- underscored the need for
faceted impacts of COVID-19, and sustained support to host
demographic drivers. Despite governments, host communities,
the challenges brought by these refugees, and other persons
trends, throughout nearly a decade of concern.
of displacement, host countries,
institutions, and communities This section provides a regional
continue to provide asylum and overview for each of these key
provide services to more than trends which shape needs and
5.5 million Syrian refugees, and vulnerabilities across the region.
Estimated Impact of the COVID-19
Pandemic in the Arab Region
It is estimated that one in quarter
of the Arab populations are ranked
as poor. In short-term, responding
to COVID-19 requires humanitarian
assistance to the most vulnerable
individuals and households. At the
same time, considering the mid- to
long-term impact, it is important
to take into account the concept of
building back better by bolstering
capacities of vulnerable individuals,
institutions and invigorating private
sectors.
6
Palestine refugees
Palestine refugees affected by the Syria crisis remain particularly vulnerable and are exposed
to substantial humanitarian and protection risks. An estimated two-thirds of Palestine refugees
in Syria have been displaced from their district of origin at least once since the beginning of the
conflict, and 91 per cent of Palestine refugee households live in absolute poverty. Palestinian
refugees from Syria (PRS) who have fled the country and are currently in Lebanon and Jordan
continue to face a precarious and marginalized existence due to their uncertain legal status
and limited social protection mechanisms, with very limited access to basic services other than
those provided by UNRWA. Deteriorating socio-economic conditions, constrained employment
opportunities and increased costs of living experienced in both Lebanon and Jordan have increased
the vulnerability of PRS families. The situation is further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic,
which has exacted a heavy socio-economic and public health toll.
COVID-19 impact and opportunities for achieving Agenda 2030
The COVID-19 pandemic specifically revealed the fragility of health and food systems, provided a
strong rationale for the 2030 Agenda and demonstrated how inter-related the SDGs are. It started
as a health crisis, but soon affected all sectors of the economy, imposing serious challenges to the
achievement of all SDGs. At the same time, COVID-19 presents an opportunity for the international
community to act in solidarity and to turn this crisis into an impetus to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
Manar (4)
Syrian Refugee
Four-year-old Syrian refugee, Manar,
is photographed at home in Beirut
7
Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Large-scale
Displacement
Syrians remain the
largest refugee
population globally in
need of resettlement in 2020
Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt continue to host over 5.5
million Syrian refugees as of the end of 2020. The registered Syrian
refugee population remained relatively stable throughout the
year and there was no major arrival of new refugees into the host
countries in 2020 as borders and admissions practices remained
closely managed by host states.
Some countries witnessed modest net Since reaching its peak of 76,000 resettlement
increases in registered refugees primarily due submissions in 2016, there has been a dramatic
to the registration of new-borns. In addition reduction of resettlement places for Syrian
to registered Syrian refugees, estimates refugees in recent years The global decrease
indicate that a significant number of additional in the number of resettlement places available
Estimated
Syrians reside in host countries under various and a shifting of resettlement opportunities
579,031
arrangements. It is anticipated that a large- to other global priority situations have been
Syrian refugees are currently
scale refugee population will remain in host the primary drivers for the decrease. Still, in need of resettlement
countries for the time being given current return despite an overall decrease in resettlement
and resettlement dynamics which will continue places globally, there was a small but critical
to drive needs in 3RP countries. Regarding increase of approximately 1,500 Syrian Return trend
return, order and movement restrictions as a resettlement submissions in 2019 compared
result of COVID-19 significantly impacted return to 2018. According to estimates, Syrians
movements. While the levels of return in the first remain the largest refugee population globally
two months of 2020 were broadly comparable in need of resettlement in 2020. Given that
to previous years, return through official border the resettlement needs far outnumber the
crossings slowed down significantly in March resettlement spaces – with an estimated
as countries started to enact border measures 579,031 Syrian refugees currently in need of 9,000
and other public health containment policies resettlement, vulnerable refugees remain in 2019 returns
to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. There host countries for longer, which compound
were no verified returns to Syria between late their needs and result in increased pressure on
March and late May 2020. Return movements assistance programmes and vital services.
resumed by June in Turkey, Lebanon, and
Iraq, although at lower rates than before the
2020 6,000
pandemic. While there may be an increased returns
The most recent intention surveys, as well as on-
number of returns in 2021 compared to 2020,
going engagement with the refugee community
this is subject to the evolution of COVID-19
confirms that a strong majority of Syrians wish to
pandemic, as well as socio-economic conditions return to Syria one day, but that a much smaller
in host countries, and inside Syria. Furthermore, number plan to return to Syria in the near future.
the worsening socio-economic situation in the The key issues highlighted as influencing return 3,000
region may cause more refugees to consider intentions include safety and security, livelihoods returns
irregular movements beyond the region, often opportunities, access to shelter and access to
using unsafe means. basic services. Return decision-making remains
dynamic and complex, particularly in the context
of the COVID-19 pandemic and its political,
economic and social impact across the region.
UNHCR will continue to gauge the intentions of
refugees in 2021 as this remains the basis for
operational planning. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
8
Socio-economic Turkey
Egypt
Iraq
Outlook
GDP growth 8 Jordan
Lebanon
10
5
0
Economic forecasts for 3RP countries have been progressively revised -5
downwards since early 2020. Most 3RP countries have confronted
-10
economic recessions, and rising levels of unemployment and poverty,
likely hitting women worse, exacerbated in some countries by high -15
inflationary pressures and important fiscal challenges. 1 -20
2019 2020 est. 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic and other While the widespread informality 3 that features The particular challenges and vulnerabilities
compounding crises in some countries have labor markets in the sub-region makes the real facing women have been exacerbated. Prior
resulted in a loss of 8 to 15 percentage points level of unemployment difficult to accurately to the COVID-19 outbreak, regional needs
in real GDP growth in 3RP countries in 2020 assess, reported unemployment levels are assessments 4 indicated that in some countries,
compared to the previous year. 2 As a result of on the rise regionally with already high youth Syrian refugee women have difficulties
reduced revenues and increased government unemployment rates likely to worsen. Across meeting their basic needs and those of their
expenditure to mitigate the socioeconomic the 3RP countries, vulnerable populations families due to challenges around their legal
impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak and support are facing increased levels of income and status, their skills, social norms and language
economic recovery, fiscal deficits and debt multidimensional poverty. barriers. Lack of access to basic services such as
levels are also expected to widen significantly, education, shelter, health care, mental health
reaching critical levels in some countries. The Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, 3RP and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services,
economic outlook for 2021 is currently bleak countries were suffering from high levels of employment opportunities, mobile technology
and subject to uncertainty as new waves and food insecurity, only mitigated by the ongoing and life enhancing services/opportunities
secondary impacts of the pandemic and other flow of assistance to crisis-affected vulnerable affect the wellbeing and development of
interlocking crises continue to unfold. populations covering both Syrian refugees and women and girls. 5 Such challenges and shocks
host communities. Now, spillover effects of result in negative gender-specific coping
Lebanon now faces multiple compounding COVID-19, along with measures to contain the mechanisms such as child marriage, child
crises. The COVID-19 outbreak hit the country pandemic including movement restrictions, labor, girls dropping out of school to help with
at a particularly difficult time of economic trade barriers and reduced working hours housework, women overloaded with house
decline and political fragility, leading to further affecting small businesses and casual labor, and work-related chores, men controlling
worsening of the socio-economic situation are increasing unemployment and poverty. decisions over loans taken by women as well
with direct effects on unemployment levels In Turkey and Lebanon, spillover effects of as sexual exploitation and abuse. Across the
and services. The effects of the port explosions COVID-19 also include rises in the price of 3RP countries, women in female-headed
added a tremendous strain on the country’s essential commodities, including food, and households report using more negative coping
general economy and created additional in inflationary pressures. Early assessments mechanisms than male-headed households.
despair, loss of jobs and tensions. The of the pandemic’s impact indicate increased Furthermore, female-headed household tend
devastating impact of the Beirut Port explosions vulnerability to food insecurity and inadequate to fare worse than most refugee households on
further cemented the call, which started in dietary intakes and diversity, with higher vulnerabilities related to livelihoods, income,
October 2019 with widespread protests, for needs among both refugees and vulnerable food security, and risks related to violence.
urgent political and institutional reforms host communities. Even more, refugees and 6 Children in female-headed households are
vulnerable host community members in some twice as likely to work as opposed to children
The underlying socio-economic conditions host countries who have so far withstood the with a male-headed household. 7
facing refugees and host communities is effects of the Syria crisis are now considered
another key driver of need across the region. extremely vulnerable to food insecurity. This is
These conditions have worsened as a result heightening the risks of social tensions.
of COVID-19 and other compounding crises
in some countries, leading to growing
vulnerabilities and deprivations.
9
Regional Needs Overview November 2020
COVID-19
On March 19, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19
a global pandemic. The number of new cases continues to increase
and most 3RP countries are now facing second waves of the virus
with measures to curb its spread being reintroduced.
As highlighted earlier, the pandemic has detection and treatment, and increased distrust and decent work conditions. Meanwhile,
undermined macroeconomic conditions across in health authorities lowering the likelihood of the incidence of child marriage has also
3RP countries, leading to growing vulnerabilities compliance and prolong recovery. This lack of significantly increased in response to the coping
among both refugee and host communities. The accessibility to primary and secondary health mechanisms parents and caregivers employ to
pandemic has also had far-reaching impacts care services during this period will likely have a respond to household vulnerabilities.
on health and the environment, among other negative health impact over the short, medium,
areas, with consequences for populations and and long-term. Multiple studies report an increase in cases
social cohesion. of violence against women associated with
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered or COVID-19 measures, in particular periods that
While countries have largely managed to deal compounded a wide range of mental health require individuals to remain in their homes.10
with the immediate COVID-19 crisis from a conditions, increasing levels of anxiety and In a study conducted by UN Women during
health perspective, the increased demand uncertainty that can lead to significant the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1 in 3 women
for care of COVID-19 patients has had a major long-term mental health and psychosocial reported that they felt unsafe in their homes,
impact on the delivery of other essential consequences at the same time that access fearing domestic violence (by husband or
services, particularly preventative and to mental health care is reduced. Some of the family). 11
treatment services for non-communicable most vulnerable are showing high degrees of
diseases which have been significantly psychological distress attributed to challenges
disrupted according to global assessments. The like lack of resources, fear of evictions, risks Reported cases of
most common reasons for the unavailability of of exploitation, violence and discrimination, COVID-19
services, from a health systems perspective, disruption of social networks, as well as lack of in 3RP countries as
were cancellations of planned treatments due livelihood opportunities. of end-October 2020
to other priorities and a lack of staff because
health workers had been reassigned to support Furthermore, direct consequences of the
COVID-19 services. This includes, for example, pandemic such as loss of job and/or income 995,474 26,881
total cases deaths due
the management of the increase pressure on due to the reduction or cessation of business
of COVID-19 to COVID-19
ancillary or supporting health-related services, activities have been observed across 3RP
such as waste management, which pose a range countries. In this context, individuals have
of environmental and social challenges. reduced their health care spending due to loss
of income or livelihoods. This loss of income
Measures to contain the spread of the has further resulted in difficulties sustaining
pandemic such as movement restrictions livelihoods including access to health and Nearly 1 in 3
further complicate access, with refugees and nutrition services and has increased reliance women are in fear of
host communities in the sub-region reporting on negative coping mechanisms, including domestic violence
reduced access to multiple health services. Lack accruing dire levels of debt. 9
of transport or ability to access health services
was cited in numerous assessments in 3RP Gender factors such as the concentration of
countries. This is of significant concern because women in informal labor markets and the
vulnerable people, including those with non- dominant perceptions of women as caregivers
communicable diseases are at higher risk of and men as providers further complicate the
severe COVID-19-related illness and death. Also, impact of loss of livelihoods. More women
the social stigma associated with COVID-19 has are pushed to search for jobs without having
encouraged illness concealment, delayed early critical infrastructure in place such as childcare
10Demographic
Characteristics
Youth population
60%
Certain demographic characteristics populations drive institutional,
environmental, and social pressures across the 3RP countries. 50%
The influx of a large refugee population has, in some instances,
contributed to deepen these pressures.
40%
Three key drivers have emerged. First, refugee population, has put the education
3RP countries have slightly above-average systems of these countries under additional
population growth rates compared to global pressure. Moreover, economic security is a
trends and these growth rates occur in major issue with levels of unemployment for 30%
the context of hosting large-scale refugee youth, especially young women, far higher
populations – Turkey hosts the most refugees of than the general unemployment rates.
any country in the world, while Lebanon hosts Demographic pressures can also increase
the most refugees per capita in the world, with competition in the job market, affect wage 20%
Jordan among the top five countries. rates, and work conditions. Though variations
exist across countries, demographic pressures
Second, the region is characterized by a high have exacerbated challenges related to the
youth population. For 3RP countries, over 50 management of natural resources, particularly 10%
per cent of the population in Egypt, Iraq and water and land, as well as, the management
Jordan, approximately 40 per cent in Turkey12, of solid waste and wastewater. It has also
and around 64.3 per cent of the population impacted energy demand and consumption, as
in Lebanon 13 are children and youth, under well as air quality with significant implications 0
Egypt, Turkey Lebanon
24 years old. These high percentages are also for the living conditions, health and livelihoods
Iraq,
mirrored in the Syrian refugee population: Some of populations, particularly for the most Jordan
forty percent of registered Syrian refugees are vulnerable. 14
age 17 or under.
A key aspect related to demographic
Unemployment rate 15
Third, the region is characterized by an characteristics is social cohesion. Relations
increasingly urbanized population. In most in and between different communities are
50% Egypt
3RP countries, the majority of the population complex in some 3RP countries, and the Jordan
is already urbanized, and reaches some 90 per influx of a large-scale refugee population has Lebanon
cent in both Lebanon and Jordan. Yet, this ratio added more layers of complexity across the 40% Turkey
(Unemployment
continues to grow particularly as young people region. While 3RP countries have managed to rates among youth
aged between
in rural areas move to cities or other urbanized ensure a strong level of social cohesion during 15 and 24 years)
areas in search of education or employment. nearly a decade of hosting large-scale refugee 30%
Meanwhile, nearly 95 percent of registered populations, this has required significant effort
refugees continue to live in urban and peri- and has not been without challenges. Numerous
urban non-camp settings. assessments point to the key sources of tension 20%
across the region, including increased job
While the combination of a growing, youthful, competition, rising costs of living, and access
and urbanized population has the potential to to basic services. This has created intense
10%
reap a dividend in terms of economic growth pressure on municipalities, including related to
potential and increased productivity, it has local service provision. These drivers can often
also brought numerous stresses, particularly be fueled by misperceptions, frustrations, and 0
related access to basic and essential services. higher levels of stress across communities. This
For example, the growth in the school-aged has been accelerated further by the pandemic
population, compounded by the additional which exacerbates many of the negative trends.
demand for education services from the June June end of
2019 2020 2020
11Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Regional Needs
& Vulnerabilities
There are over 5.5 million refugees and 4.8 million
vulnerable members of host communities in 3RP
countries that need continuous support.
Understanding their specific needs and potentials is vital to The following section provides an overview of the key
ensuring that they can receive the required protection and regional needs and vulnerabilities. To ensure a holistic and
assistance support. inter-sectoral perspective, it is presented according to the
four main areas where people require support –
Notably, in 2020, COVID-19 has particularly exacerbated the as reflected in the 3RP regional strategic directions:
need for access to services across sectors given movement
restrictions and other public health containment policies
1. Protecting people
enacted by governments to halt the spread of the virus.
2. Pursuing durable solutions
There is a need to remove socio-economic barriers to 3. Ensuring dignified lives
participation at household level by expanding social 4. Enhancing national and local capacities
protection schemes linked to national systems (including
school-feeding programmes, transportation support,
equal access ICT devices and internet and other support) It is important to note that the needs outlined in the
to ensure access to education, training and decent following pages are not exhaustive; there are a range of
livelihoods opportunities and alleviate the direct, indirect specific sectoral and country-level needs that have been
and opportunity costs of education for children, youth identified. Such needs are presented in section 3 and in the
and families. Targeting may be required to reach the relevant country-level needs documents.
most vulnerable – particularly adolescent boys and girls,
children with disabilities, married girls and adolescent
mothers.
Abdallah (13) and his mother
Syrian Refugees
“I help her separate the coloured washing from the
white. I help her at the market pick the good fruit and
not the bad.”
Syrian refugee Abdallah and his visually impaired
mother have been living in Jordan for eight years
after fleeing their home in Homs, Syria. Um Abdallah
lost her sight as a result of the psychological effect
of the conflict. Abdallah and his mom are reliant on
cash assistance to pay their rent and bills and allow
Abdallah to continue to go to school rather than be
forced to find work.
12Socio-economic impact of COVID-19 Key findings include
COVID-19 and the ensuing confinement • Underdeveloped national statistical • In KRI, hosts, refugees, and IDPs faced a
policies, along with other economy- systems limit the ability to accurately similar starting level of poverty prior to the
wide shocks have been felt throughout estimate the impact of major policy shocks. onset of COVID and experienced increases
the Mashreq, not least by marginalized The absence of official statistics creates of 24 p.p., 21 p.p., and 28 p.p.
communities. To assess their welfare reliance on non-official data and leads
impact UNHCR and the World Bank to estimates based on bold assumptions • Mitigation measures – cash and assistance
launched a joint Study (funded by the that come with serious caveats. To inform programmes by host governments and
Joint Data Center) aimed at identifying decision makers adequately, greater humanitarian organizations - have been
changes in poverty on Syrian refugees and efforts are needed to regularly collect and effective at absorbing some of the shock
host communities. The study focuses on publish (welfare) surveys and other official and bridging the gap between the onset of
Jordan, KRI and Lebanon. statistics. the crisis and the recovery of the economy.
These measures would need to be scaled-
Establishing the joint effect of COVID-19,
• In Jordan, the COVID-19 crisis increased up in magnitude and scope to fully mitigate
and of other compounding crises on
poverty by around 38 percentage points the increases in poverty.
welfare, has implications for the response
(p.p.) among Jordanians, and by 18 p.p.
both as the pandemic unfolds, during
among Syrian refugees, noting that Additional
the recovery period and in terms of data
refugees started off at a higher rate of
maintaining social cohesion. The Study
poverty at baseline.
will helps guide the COVID-19 responses of
governments, international agencies and
• In Lebanon, changes in poverty are
others.
largely driven by inflation. Poverty
The Study relies on dynamic simulations increased by around 33 p.p. among the
to show changes in poverty (measured Lebanese community and by as much
at the international $ 5.50 poverty line) as 56 p.p. among Syrian refugees. These
on a monthly basis. The poverty impact estimates are slightly lower if households
is modelled by relating macroeconomic are assumed to mitigate the impact of
changes in various sectors of the price changes on their welfare through
economy, informality status, changes in behavioral responses, such as changing
remittances and price levels to household their consumption patterns by substituting
characteristics. The models reveal changes for cheaper goods.
in poverty amongst host and refugee
communities and estimate the poverty-
reducing effects of government and
UNHCR assistance.
Changes in Poverty using the International Poverty Line - JORDAN
JORDANIAN SYRIAN
Change in Poverty from Baseline (p.p.) Change in Poverty from Baseline (p.p.)
40 40 international
poverty
line (5.5/day)
30 30
mitigation -
international
20 20 poverty
line (5.5/day)
10 10
Additional
data
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Month Month
13Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Protecting People
Syrians continue to require access to international protection and asylum. Therefore, the
protection needs of Syrian refugees across the 3RP countries drive the priorities of the
3RP response. Aside from continued access to asylum in the host countries, protection
vulnerabilities related to legal status, gender, age and specific needs are among the most
urgent needs identified in regional assessments. Such assessments also point to the
fact that host community members may also face some of these protection risks in some
countries.
Access to Specialized Services Child Protection Awareness
to Prevent and Respond to SGBV and Services
Women and girls are disproportionately In addition to heightened protection
at risk of high rates of sexual and risks for children, increased parental
gender-based violence (SGBV) which anxieties and frustrations caused
prevail in the 3RP countries. Among by social isolation, especially in the
the frequently reported forms of context of COVID-19, and fears around
SGBV affecting refugees and host livelihoods and financial difficulties
communities, forced and child further aggravate tensions increasing
marriage, sexual violence, sexual the risk of child abuse, neglect,
abuse and exploitation, and domestic violence and exploitation. In some 3RP
violence are the most common. countries, nearly half of Syrian refugee
However, economic and social stress children are involved in child labor
coupled with measures related to while also experiencing high levels of
COVID-19, are increasing the risks of sadness and fear caused by the loss of
SGBV (in particular, intimate partner employment of their parents, and due
and domestic violence). In several of the to limited access to education. Female-
3RP countries, a rise in the percentage headed households face additional
of intimate partner violence has been vulnerabilities and rely on child
observed during the second and labor twice as much as male-headed
third quarters when the confinement households. Families with children
measure and the movement restrictions with disabilities often live in isolated
were adopted.16 Additionally, situations, due to discrimination against
precarious access to healthcare persons with disabilities which may
services and/or preventative equipment result in situations where they may be
including services for women and girls exposed to additional risks like stigma,
who are survivors of violence have exploitation including child trafficking
been disrupted by measures taken to and abuse, and inadequate access to
mitigate COVID-19. Given this context, services. In some 3RP countries, the
there is a need for a restoration COVID-19 prevention and containment
and expansion of services for both measures have forced many children
Families with children with disabilities
individuals at-risk of SGBV as well as to isolate in unsafe households, with
live in isolated situations where they
are exposed to additional risks such as survivors. Similarly, it is essential to limited child protection, health and
stigma, exploitation and abuse. take into account the need to best education services. To address these
Moreover, children with disabilities,
adapt the modality of service delivery risks, additionally there is a need
unaccompanied children, girls and those from to respond to SGBV. to strengthen quality, inclusivity,
economically and socially disadvantaged groups adaptability and accessibility of
have been significantly impacted and are likely to
have most difficulty resuming their education.
national child protection systems and
legal frameworks that guarantee their
rights, while maintaining and improving
psychological support and specialized
case management interventions.
14LEBANON JORDAN EGYPT IRAQ TURKEY
Between March and 41% of all respondents Frontline psychosocial 26% of Syrian refugee Syrians report increasing
September of 2020, 8% of witnessed a negative impact workers are providing 24/7 households reported at least levels of conflict amongst
refugee families indicated on their children’s well-being online support to refugees one member needing access household members (36%)
psychological distress or due to the COVID-19 crisis as a major increase in to psychological support as well as domestic violence
anxiety, with more than 70% and curfew. psychosocial distress has services and treatments. within their communities
indicating mild or isolated been identified. (31%). 37% also mention
symptoms like disrupted observations of conflict and
sleep and appetite and over tension with local community
20% reported increased members.
aggressiveness or anger.
Civil Documentation
While Syrian refugees generally enjoy access Meanwhile, family separation and gaps in
to civil documentation across the 3RP nationality and family laws are creating new
countries, ensuring their ability to obtain, risks of statelessness.
replace, and renew civil documentation
remains a key need across the region. Such While strenuous efforts have been made
documentation is often needed to access in 3RP countries to reduce the incident of
government services, schools, health care statelessness, it remains an on-going need
and other rights and entitlements. The across the region. Related, Syrian refugee
registration of vital life events, such as children separated from parents, families
births, deaths and marriages in a timely and caregivers require suitable alternative
manner is critical to avoiding more complex care arrangements, whilst efforts are
challenges in the future, including related underway to trace and reunify them with
to voluntary return to Syria or resettlement their families.
opportunities. Yet, refugees often face
challenges in accessing these documents, For Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS), A number of assessments have confirmed
including, for example, complex and specifically in Lebanon and Jordan, the increase in GBV as a result of
measures put in place to reduce the
often bureaucratic procedures; a lack of issues related to documentation are
spread of COVID-19.
awareness of requirements and processes an added protection challenge for this
In Iraq, 65 percent of the service provision points
to obtain legal and civil documentation; vulnerable group. Around 55 percent
reported an increase in one or more types of
limited access to legal support; of PRS in Lebanon do not possess valid GBV. In Jordan, 69 percent of survey respondents
inconsistencies in the application of laws legal residency documents where the felt that GBV has increased since the beginning
of the pandemic. In Lebanon, the vulnerability
and procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic, lack of a valid legal status results in
of female refugees to sexual exploitation and
for example, also meant that people missed reduced freedom of movement due to abuse was noted, as well as marginalized and
applications deadlines for renewals. fear of arrest and detention. Similarly, in under-discussed forms of GBV, such as economic
violence and cyber harassment, began to emerge
Jordan, PRS without a valid Jordanian
during the lockdown. In Turkey, there is an
identification document face restrictions on increased risk of exposure of women and girls
employment, limited access to courts, civil to violence, against the reduced ability to seek
support.
status and registration processes, and are
continuously exposed to the risk of arrest, As this crisis continues, it is paramount that we
keep addressing violence holistically, including
detention and potential forced return to
social unrest and instability, and the increases in
Syria. violence that this creates against women and girls.
In the Syria crisis region, as in the rest of the world,
preventing, mitigating and responding to the risks
of GBV remain a shared responsibility.
Additional
data
15Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Pursuing Durable Solutions
Refugees continue to require access to territory, international protection and support in
countries of asylum. Given the protracted nature of the crisis, opportunities for durable
solutions are urgently needed so refugees can look to the future with hope and dignity.
Supporting Safe, Voluntary, Resettlement
Total Voluntary Refugee Returns and Dignified Returns Opportunities
(From 2016 to 31 October 2020)
Pursuing voluntary return in safety Syrians remain the largest refugee
259,613
and dignity is the fundamental right population globally in need of
of every refugee. The 3RP respects resettlement in 2020, with an
the decision of those refugees who estimated 579,031 Syrian refugees
make the choice to return based on currently in need of resettlement.
Data as of
31 October 2020 a free and informed decision at a Despite resettlement mechanisms
Additional
data
time of their choice. While there is no re-commencing by mid-2020 and the
current facilitation of returns, 3RP provision of resettlement guidance
12,595
TURKEY partners have gradually strengthened in keeping with global public health
97,320 support to refugees who choose to guidance, 2020 will be a record low for
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 return and requested advice and refugee resettlement. However, the
support, in full collaboration with outlook for 2021 and beyond forecasts
host governments. Such advice and a continuing downward trend, despite
support are based on identified needs, the ongoing and critical needs in the
8,102
and can include, but not limited region. And while only a solution for
LEBANON
to, the provision of information, a small subset of the most vulnerable
61,384 pre-departure counselling or return Syrian refugees, meeting more of the
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
monitoring, as well as help with needs in this area will help to reduce
documentation, and assisting persons pressure on assistance programmes
with specific needs. With refugees’ and vital services. When international
own decisions as the main guidepost, movement restrictions fully lift,
JORDAN providing and looking at ways to there is need for a renewed focus on
2,431 enhance such support remains critical resettlement and complementary
53,992
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 given it yields important protection pathways, as a very tangible form of
dividends, reduces the risk of harm, responsibility sharing and a solution
and contributes to an informed for the most vulnerable subset of
and dignified return. Maintaining refugees.
7,474 an agile and operational posture is
IRAQ also required in view of the changing
45,591 situation in Syria and host countries
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 in the region and the diversity
of perspectives among refugees
themselves.
EGYPT 74
1,326
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
16Access to Local Opportunities
and Solutions
As many Syrian refugees are likely
to remain in host countries into
the medium term, expanding
local opportunities and solutions
remains a key need across the
refugee population. It builds self-
reliance in the short term, while
enhancing the prospect of achieving
a successful durable solution in the
future. It also reduces the risk of
considering irregular movements
to third countries, which are often
associated with perilous journeys
under exploitive conditions. While the
scale and scope of such opportunities
are different in each of the 3RP
countries, people’s needs in this area
include strengthened advocacy for
a supportive legal framework and
enabling environment, increased
access to job opportunities, bridging
the gap between the skills of
refugees and local market demands
through training and certification
opportunities, recognition of
education and skills, and helping
people re-gain full agency of their
legal, material, and physical safety.
Survey - March 2019
Syrian refugees’ perceptions and intentions
on return to Syria
QUESTION:
“Do you hope to go back
to Syria one day?”
YES (75.2%)
DO NOT KNOW (5.5%)
NO (19.3%)
The provision of vocational training and access to financial resources and
sustainable livelihood opportunities for both the refugees and affected
Data as of
March 2019
host community, particularly women is crucial for the realisation of
Additional
durable solutions.
data
Safaa, who left Syria a few years ago, is a plumber
and hires other people like herself, creating
livelihood opportunities and building up the skills
of women.
17Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Supporting Dignified Lives
The crisis continues to impact protection and socio-economic well-being of vulnerable
populations. 3RP partners estimate that some 10 million people require some form of
assistance in terms of supporting their efforts to live a dignified life. Such needs are
wide-ranging and multi-sectoral in nature. Addressing the multiple deprivations facing
refugees and vulnerable host populations and supporting enabling conditions and
opportunities for all is a priority for 3RP partners across sectors.
Availability and Quality of Education
Children out of school At the end of 2019 17, Egypt, Iraq, home-based learning models, often
in the region end-2019 Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, were with limited access for marginalized
36% hosting slightly more than 2 million children. The short and long-term
school-aged Syrian refugee children impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are
(5-17 years old). Around two thirds of exacerbating pre-existing inequalities
these school-aged refugee children related to both access to education
were enrolled in education, but 36 and achievement of quality learning
per cent of them were out-of-school, outcomes. Certain groups of children
recording a small improvement including refugees, children with
compared with 2018, when the share disabilities, girls and those from low
of out-of-school refugee children socioeconomic backgrounds are likely
was 39 per cent. While children have to be affected the most. Consequently,
benefited from quality and capacity present learning losses threaten to
improvements made in education erase previous progress and learning
systems across the 3RP countries over gains especially for these groups of
the past decade, ensuring inclusive children. Education systems need to
Work permits and flexible education systems are focus on addressing learning losses
in Jordan
available to all children requires and preventing dropouts, particularly
increased efforts to mainstream of marginalized groups; offer skills for
the refugee response in long-term employability programmes (for out-of-
education development plans. In school children and overage learners)
addition to quality-related needs, and support the teaching profession
learning spaces in formal and non- and teachers’ readiness for home-
formal settings need to be made safe based learning.
for children, eliminating violence
in and around schools and training Consistent access to learning is
education personnel to promote dependent on sufficient, predictable
positive pathways to discipline and internet and/or telephone-based
learning. Learning settings need to technology. Children need living
integrate mental health and psycho- spaces that accommodate learning
social support programs to benefit at home and psychosocial support
children and parents from affected as well as other support for children
communities. and their caregivers in order for this
type of learning to be achieved. One
The COVID-19 pandemic has example is a support to make up
207,073 highlighted the critical need for a for missed nutritious school meals
work permits were issued holistic approach to education as that now are a further burden on the
since Jan 2016 to Sept 2020 systems have transitioned to household.
18Ensuring Food Security
Food Security Sector partners have worked to reach the
most vulnerable across the region with life-saving food
assistance, while increasingly focusing on the promotion
of dietary diversity, sustainable agriculture and rural
livelihoods. In 2020, challenges related to the COVID-19
pandemic and socioeconomic stresses have exacerbated
existing vulnerabilities significantly, including vulnerability
to food insecurity. Assessments indicate higher needs
among both refugees and vulnerable host communities
who are rather homogeneously poor. Moreover, groups
who have so far withstood the effects of the Syria crisis are
now considered extremely vulnerable to food insecurity.
This is creating public tensions and social insecurities.
The four dimensions of food security (food availability,
access, utilization & stability) have been strongly affected
by the pandemic and its containment measures, with
potential threats of other waves to come.
Food Security Sector consolidation and intensification
of efforts is becoming more critical to address increasing
needs within a challenging environment. Regional
governments in the region need also to take bigger steps
in facilitating the work and mitigating the economic impact
of the COVID-19 crisis, while utmost importance should
be given to ensure food security and good nutrition for
their populations, which will, as well, support personal
immunity against the pandemic.
Muraf and Obada
Syrian Refugees
19Regional Needs Overview November 2020
Livelihoods Opportunities for Refugees
and Host communities
High levels of multidimensional poverty and Income losses coupled with the absence or
reliance on negative coping mechanisms to limited capacity of social safety nets in most
meet basic needs among vulnerable populations 3RP countries have led to an increased use of
necessitate the expansion of social assistance negative coping strategies by vulnerable
and income support programs in the immediate individuals, especially as most of
term. However, linking these forms of support to the population of concern do not qualify or have
demand-driven skills development (identified limited eligibility for government assistance
in consultation with private sector and due to their concentration in the informal sector
market needs) which increases employability; where they have little access to social protection
financial inclusion (for accessing credit to open and social safety nets. Many households are
businesses); and other critical socioeconomic using their already limited savings or taking out
and environmental recovery needs will facilitate loans to face the crisis leading to increased
the graduation of vulnerable refugee and host indebtedness and exposure to extorsion by loan
community members from social assistance. sharks using high-interest rates. In addition to
It will be especially important to focus on debts, households also report cutting down
strengthening vulnerable Syrian refugee and the number of meals and other “non-priority”
host community women’s resilience with decent household expenses.
livelihoods and employment opportunities.
The loss of jobs and income among both refugee
As indicated by early needs and impact and host communities have exacerbated
assessments, the extensive lockdowns and competition over scarcer employment
other strict measures taken by governments opportunities, particularly for low-skilled
to prevent and contain COVID-19, as well as workers. Coupled with more limited access to
other compounding factors in some countries, services, this has contributed to rising social
have had dramatic impacts on the livelihoods tensions in some countries, both between
of refugees and vulnerable households in refugees and host communities and between
host communities, which depend primarily on host community members themselves. This
informal employment, mainly daily work/casual underscores conflict sensitive programming,
labor, with limited compliance with decent work in targeting both host and refugee populations
standards, including social security. Businesses, as essential to ease tensions at the community
particularly micro and small enterprises (MSEs) level.
have also been disproportionately affected by
these measures, as well as remittances sent by In this context, livelihoods programs that
workers from abroad. UN different livelihoods focus on skills enhancement, including digital
pargrams were suspended to comply with safety skills, and re-profiling of vulnerable people,
regulations impeded by governments. These are particularly women and disadvantaged youth,
only starting to resume recently. to changing job market requirements will be
critical to facilitate entry and/or re-entry to the
job market. Support for business continuity and
job retention of MSEs (including home-based,
Although women may be engaged as digital business) in vulnerable host communities,
part of regular assessments, evidence
particularly in the context of COVID-19, is also
clearly shows that engagement of
women’s leadership in humanitarian needed.
and resilience responses remains
extremely low with limited space for
affected women and girls / women-led
organizations at national and regional
levels to define their own priorities,
influence decision-making and the kind
of support they receive.
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