REGIONAL NEEDS OVERVIEW 2022 - ReliefWeb
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
@3RPSYRIA
W W W. 3RPSYRIACRISIS.ORG
REGIONAL
NEEDS
OVERVIEW
2022
Contents
Click on the
topics below
Executive Summary 3
Population 4
Voices of Refugees and Host Communities 6
Regional Context Analysis 8
Large-scale Displacement 9
Socio-economic Challenges 10
Demographic Characteristics 12
Regional Needs & Vulnerabilities 13
Protecting People 14
Pursing Durable Solutions 18
Supporting Dignified Lives 20
Enhancing National & Local Capacities 24
Country Contexts 26
Turkey 28
Lebanon 30
Jordan 32
Iraq 34
Egypt 36
Links and Sources 38
Executive Summary
The Syria refugee crisis remains the largest Three key underlying trends continue to drive
humanitarian and development crises in the the needs of refugees, and host countries
world. Across the five main Syrian-refugee and communities: the effects of large-scale
hosting countries included under the 3RP protracted displacement, socio-economic
– Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt conditions, and demographic pressures. These
– over 20 million people need some form of interlinked trends continue to impact existing
humanitarian and resilience support going structural and individual vulnerabilities and,
into 2022. This includes some 7.1 million in some cases, create new vulnerabilities.
Syrian refugees1 and asylum seekers of other The trends have also deepened pre-existing
nationalities and stateless persons, and 12.9 inequalities, such as gender inequality.
million impacted host community members,
This 3RP Regional Needs Overview (RNO)
which is the highest number of people in need of
provides a consolidated overview of the needs
some form of assistance in this crisis, in nearly a
and vulnerabilities of refugees and impacted
decade.
host community members at both the regional-
Alongside the record numbers of people in need, and country-level. It is based on data and
the level of vulnerability among refugees and information gathered through assessments
impacted host community members is growing. and studies conducted throughout 2021 and
The 3RP countries continue to be significantly intended to inform 3RP regional- and country-
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its level planning for 2022, as well as further
multiple waves, as well as associated socio- research and policy efforts. It begins with an
economic challenges, some of which pre-date analysis of the key overarching trends affecting
the pandemic. At the macro level, economic refugees and host communities in 3RP countries.
forecasts for 3RP countries in 2021 and beyond It then follows with an assessment of the needs
have been shifted to slow growth compared to and vulnerabilities, in terms of what support is
those in 2020. However, especially in Lebanon, needed and to whom to address the challenges
where compounding crises have had devastating faced, and then goes more in depth on country
effects, GDP has diminished in 2021. Rises in analyses which examines specific country data
levels of unemployment, multidimensional at a closer level.
poverty, and food insecurity are among the
greatest factors driving individual need in the
short-term. The high youth population across
the region places pressures on the limited
More information is available
capacities in the education and livelihoods
on the 3RP regional and country
sectors. Additional demographic pressures are
websites, including detailed
a result of worsening social cohesion due to needs analyses
competition over limited resources, services, and
opportunities. At a time where the social fabric www.3rpsyriacrisis.org
is under pressure, violence against women and
risks of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continue
to be reported across the region. Moreover, the
broader health impacts driven by COVID-19 will
also entail long term consequences for the most
vulnerable people.
3
Regional Needs Overview November 2021
TURKEY
3,721,057
Syrians under temporary protection
In need
Total number of refugees, 4,131,541
asylum seekers, stateless
persons
(Includes 3,798,361
Syrians in need)
Host community 8,500,000
members
SYRIA
LEBANON
851,717
registered Syrian refugees
IRAQ
In need
Total number of refugees, 1,707,700
249,733
asylum seekers, stateless registered Syrian refugees
persons
(Includes 1,500,000 In need
Syrians in need)
Total number of refugees, 289,716
asylum seekers, stateless
Host community 1,500,000
persons
members
(Includes 247,549
Syrians in need)
Host community 231,938
members
JORDAN
670,364
registered Syrian refugees
In need
Total number of refugees, 758,158
asylum seekers, stateless
persons
(Includes 670,748
Syrians in need)
Host community 520,000
members
EGYPT
REGIONAL TOTAL
134,952
registered Syrian refugees 5,627,823
registered Syrian refugees
In need
Total number of refugees, 300,000
asylum seekers, stateless In need
persons
(Includes 149,497
Syrians in need) Total number of refugees, 7,187,115
asylum seekers, stateless
Host community 2,171,200 persons
members
(Includes 6,366,155
Syrians in need)
Host community 12,923,138
members
Note: Egypt, Iraq Jordan from 30 Sept; Lebanon 31 May;
Turkey 14 Oct. (as of 25 Oct Data Portal)
4
Demographics
GENDER Egypt Iraq Jordan Lebanon Turkey
male
52% 52% 50% 48% 54%
Syrian Refugees
and asylum seekers
48% 48% 50% 51% 46%
female
male
52% 52% 53% 55%
Non-Syrian Refugees 41%
and asylum seekers
48% 48% 47% 45%
59%
female
CHILDREN Refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons:
(UNDER THE AGE 18) Percentage of children below the age of 18
34% 42% 47% 44% 44%
47% (2,6 million) of
the registered Syrian
refugees are children
under the age of 18
years old.
Egypt Iraq Jordan Lebanon Turkey
Source: The number is calculated based on refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons registered with UNHCR and Government of Turkey.
YOUTH Percentage of youth in host countries
(ages 15 - 24)
17% 20% 19% 17% 16%
Syrian refugee youth aged
between 15 and 24 years
old constitute around
20% of the total registered
Syrian population in the
five countries. Similar trend
is observed in the host
countries. Egypt Iraq Jordan Lebanon Turkey
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
10x
It is estimated that women
with disabilities are up to
10 times more likely to
experience sexual violence
than women without
disabilities and have severe
access challenges to most
shelters.2
5
Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Voices of Refugees
& Host Communities
Wadha and her daughter Bayan
Syrian Refugees
Wadha and her family fled Syria to Lebanon more than 10 years ago.
The photo of Wadha and her daughter Bayan was taken in their home,
which got damaged by the Beirut blast in 2020.
Photos by the Danish Refugee Council: DRC
Still struggling one year
after the Beirut explosion
Even before the explosion, the economic situation was After that day, Wadha and her children all struggled
taking its toll on Wadha and her family. “My husband was mentally with fear.
barely able to find work and we were kicked out of our
previous house,” said Wadha. Without a place to live, nor
”
enough money to rent a new apartment, Wadha and her It took us a while to be able to
daughter went to stay with a female friend and her husband
took their three sons and moved in with a friend of his. leave the house, and even when
we did, we were in constant fear.
Soon after, with their eldest son working to help his father
said Wadha. ”
support the family, they were finally able to rent a new
house. Their happiness, however, was short-lived when
merely four months later, the Beirut explosion happened, As the family moved on, Wadha’s daughter, 13-year-old
leaving Wadha injured and their house in ruins. “We heard Bayan, continued to struggle. “She would get agitated
the explosion sound and then in a second, all the glass whenever I mentioned going out. She would not even go
around us shattered,” she added. out to the street,” she added sadly.
Persons with disability are subjected to exclusion within their
communities and this limits their participation and the services
available to them in their community.
Ahmad, a 20 year’s old young man from Amman, Jordan, who lives with his father,
mother, and 14-year-old sister, didn’t have the opportunity to pursue his university
education after he completed high school for several societal and financial reasons.
Ahmad
His family struggled with his disability especially within a society that categorizes
Jordanian
disability as a social stigma.
Photo of Ahmad at his father ‘s
automotive maintenance ”
shop which provides the main
and only income to the family It wasn’t easy to raise a child with a disability as
they face multiple forms of exclusion but the only
aspect me and his mother were worried about is
how the society would accept him and how his
future would be.
said Ahmad’s father. ”
Photo by UNDP Jordan
Although huge progress has been made towards equal and inclusive societies, persons
with disabilities are still too often neglected.
6
“I attribute most of the sexual problems I have to the terrible things
I experienced in prison.”, explains Amal, a 31 year-old Syrian refugee who came to
Turkey from Syria with his family in 2014.
His story is the untold story of many young men caught in armed conflicts who have been
subjected to sexual violence. “With the ongoing shortage of men and materials, tensions
ran high, and the commander eventually resorted to physical violence to keep people in
check.” The seemingly perpetual extension of his military service, the unrelenting physical
violence, and the constantly present fear of death became too much to bear for Amal. He
tried to escape and was captured, marking the beginning of a harrowing experience in
prison, where he was brutally interrogated, beaten, and sexually assaulted.
”
For about six months — maybe less, maybe more,
because in prison we never really had a concept of
time — I experienced all kinds of violence.
Abuse, beating, rape. They told us that if we do not
do what they want, they would rape us.
I thought they would not do that, but they did.
Amal Amal says. ”
Syrian Refugee
Although he finally managed to escape, the physical and sexual violence to which he
“Only my mother knew about the physical was subjected still affects his life today. “Even if a lifetime passes, I still won’t be able to
violence. I told her about the ill treatment in forget,” he says.
prison but without giving too much detail.
I could not bring myself to tell her about the
sexual violence.”
Photo by UNFPA
“We struggle to access some services such as electricity,
water and the toilets. I am scared of going out at night
because there is no electricity, it is difficult for me. “
Khaldieh Khaldine is finding it difficult to cope with daily hardships, but her
Syrian Refugee biggest concern is her son’s future.
”
Story by WeWorld Global; My future hopes concern my son,
Part of the “Stuck in Time” series
Photos by Francesca Volpi
I hope he will be able to go to
school, get an education and a
better future, but what can I say?
”
7
Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Regional Context
Analysis
Introduction Estimated Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
on Women in the Arab Region
The needs of refugees
and their host With the largest gender gap in human development
communities in the in the world, the situation for women and girls in
3RP countries are Arab States has always been challenging.
shaped by several
key regional trends, UNFPA’s programme data shows that Socioeconomic challenges facing women
girls in humanitarian settings face a have also been exacerbated. Women’s
including the large-scale web of violence throughout the course employment has also faced extreme
displacement, socio- of their lives. Denial of resources and pressures, both in the labour market –
opportunities, restrictions on movement, with women often within sectors hardest
economic challenges harassment, child and serial marriages, hit by the pandemic such as informal
and demographic internet-related risks such as online sectors - and outside it - in roles such as
harassment and sextortion, and many care giving. Syrian refugee women have
changes and social other forms of GBV are daily realities for consistently faced difficulties meeting
pressures. many.4 their basic needs - from education and
shelter to health care, mental health, and
However, the pandemic has exacerbated
psychosocial support (MHPSS) - and those
these already high levels of violence -
of their families due to challenges around
including sexual violence, gender-based
their legal status, their skills, social norms,
Despite the scale of these violence, and exploitation - against women
and language barriers. Such challenges
challenges throughout a decade and girls and interrupting women’s
and shocks result in harmful gender-
of displacement, host countries, engagement in the labour market. In a
specific coping mechanisms such as child
institutions, and communities study conducted by UN Women during the
marriage, child labour, girls dropping out
continue to provide asylum and COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in three
of school to help with housework, women
services to more than 5.6 million women reported that they felt unsafe in
overloaded with house and work-related
Syrian refugee3 women, men and their homes, fearing intimate partner or/
chores, men controlling decisions over
children, as well as refugees of other and domestic violence.
loans taken by women as well as sexual
nationalities, stateless persons and
exploitation and abuse.
other persons of concern.
Particularly vulnerable women include
The unprecedented political,
refugees, women working in the informal
economic, and social situation
sector, women and girls who have been
across the region, in the face
impacted by the Islamic State of Iraq and
of the COVID-19 pandemic and
the Levant (ISIL), SOGIESC5, persons with
other myriad challenges, has
disabilities, and older persons.
underscored the need for sustained
support to host governments, host
communities, refugees, and other
persons of concern. Particularly vulnerable women include
This section provides a regional refugees, women working in the informal sector,
overview for each of these key women & girls who have been impacted by the
trends which shape needs and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),
vulnerabilities across the region SOGIESC, persons with disabilities,
and older persons.
8
Large-scale
Displacement
Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt continue to host over 5.6 Regional Return Trends
million Syrian refugee women, men and children as of September
2021. The registered Syrian refugee population remained relatively
= Egypt
stable throughout the year and there was no major arrival of new
= Jordan
refugees into the host countries in 2020 as borders and admission = Lebanon
practices remained closely managed by host states. = Iraq
= Turkey
2021
It is expected that the refugee population to return is at least in part linked to a 30,558
will remain stable throughout 2022. perceived deterioration of the situation returns
Return dynamics in 2021 have remained inside Syria since 2019. Although 90 per
similar to the second half of 2020, and cent of Syrian refuges surveyed cannot
less than half compared to 2019. The meet their basic needs in host countries, 2020
findings of UNHCR’s sixth intention survey this was not seen as acting as a significant 38,235
in March 2021 indicate that large-scale push factor as well as the immediate returns
spontaneous returns from host countries impact of the COVID-19 pandemic only
are unlikely to take place in the coming impacted the decision of small per centage
year. An observation has been made that of refugees. 2019
there was a slight increase in return from 94,971
According to estimates, Syrians remain
Jordan Egypt and Turkey and a significant returns
the largest refugee population globally in
decline for Iraq and Lebanon compared to
need of resettlement in 2021 while there
the previous year. The latest round of the
has been a global decrease in the number 2018
regional intention survey, similar to the
of resettlement places available mainly
previous years, indicates that most Syrians 55,049
attributed to a shifting of resettlement
continue to wish to return to Syria one returns
opportunities to other global priority
day but only a small fraction (2.4 per cent)
situations. Given that the resettlement
intends to do so by early-2022.
needs far outnumber the resettlement
2017
Women, men, and children refugees spaces – with an estimated 579,031 Syrian
continue to consider concerns over safety refugees currently in need of resettlement, 50,705
returns
and security, livelihood opportunities, vulnerable refugees remain in host
access to shelter and basic services inside countries for longer, and result in increased Additional
Syria as primary barriers to return. The pressure on assistance programmes and data
slight decrease in the short term intention vital services.
Persons of Concern to UNHCR
TOTAL
= Jordan
= Lebanon
= Iraq
= Turkey
= Egypt
2017 2018 2019 2020 so far
in 2021
9
Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Socio-economic
Challenges
Economic forecasts for 3RP countries have been progressively Table 1: GDP Growth
revised downwards since early 2020. This in large part results
from spillover effects from COVID-19, as measures to contain the
pandemic include movement restrictions, trade barriers, and EGY KRI JOR LEB TUR
reduced working hours affecting small businesses and casual labor. Real GDP 5.1 6 2.2 -5.4 0.9
growth in % % % % %
2019
The negative economic growth observed pandemic unfolds, during the recovery Real GDP 2.5 -15.7 -1.4 -17 1.8
during 2020 has been reversed to positive period and in terms of maintaining social growth in % % % % %
economic growth in most 3RP countries, cohesion. The Study helped guide the 2020
but at slow rates.6 During 2020, most 3RP COVID-19 responses of governments,
countries confronted economic recessions, international agencies and others. The
and rising levels of unemployment and Study relied on dynamic simulations to
Real GDP 2 2.6 1.8 -8.5 8.5
poverty exacerbated in some countries by show changes in poverty (measured at growth % % % % %
high inflationary pressures and important the international $5.50 poverty line) on in 2021
fiscal challenges. Reports indicate that this a monthly basis. The poverty impact is (estimated)
has impacted women and young people modelled by relating macroeconomic
the most. Meanwhile, reports from country changes in various sectors of the
analysis present that food insecurity economy, informality status, changes in
Real GDP 4.9 7.3 2.2 n/a 3-4
has worsened in the region and harmful remittances and price levels to household growth % % % %
coping mechanisms (by reducing food characteristics. The models reveal changes in 2022
intake) have been applied by vulnerable in poverty amongst host and refugee (forecast)
households. These trends have not been communities and estimate the poverty
reversed in 2021. reducing effects of government and UNHCR
assistance. Key data from the study is
During 2021, as economies have slowly
presented below.
opened up and businesses and trades have
gradually resumed globally and regionally,
slow economic recovery has been seen
in 3RP countries (see table 1). However, In Lebanon, In Jordan,
unemployment rates in the region remain
changes in poverty are largely the COVID-19 crisis increased
high, particularly in Jordan and Iraq where
driven by inflation. At the poverty by around 38 per
rates have been higher than 2020 and in
national poverty line, poverty among the centage points (p.p.) among Jordanians, and
particular for youth, and challenges remain
for government revenues. Lebanese community is expected to have by 18 p.p. among Syrian refugees, noting
increased by 33 per centage points (p.p.) that refugees started off at a higher rate of
Equally, poverty rates have increased by 2020, and by 46 p.p. by end of 2021, poverty at baseline.
across the sub-region. In December 2020,
compared to baseline. Syrian refugees start
to assess the welfare impact, UNHCR and
at higher poverty rate, and observe an
the World Bank launched a joint Study In KRI,
(funded by the Joint Data Center) aimed increase of around 24 p.p. These estimates
are slightly lower if households are assumed hosts, refugees, and IDPs faced
at identifying changes in poverty amongst
to mitigate the impact of price changes on a similar starting level of poverty
Syrian refugees and host communities,
with a focus on Jordan, KRI and Lebanon. their welfare through behavioral responses, prior to the onset of COVID and experienced
The study’s projections have been such as changing their consumption patterns increases of 24 p.p., 21 p.p., and 28 p.p.
further updated in 2021. Establishing by substituting for cheaper goods.7
the joint effect of COVID-19, and of other
compounding crises on welfare, has
implications for the response both as the
10In particular, Lebanon is facing an
Palestine Refugees
unprecedented economic and financial
crisis that has undermined the subsistence
capacity of already vulnerable Lebanese
and refugees. Lebanon’s GDP plummeted Palestine refugees affected
from about US$55 billion in 2018 to a
by the Syria crisis remain
projected US$20.5 billion in 2021, while
real GDP per capita fell by 37.1%. The real particularly vulnerable and
GDP is projected to decline by 10.5% in are exposed to substantial
2021, on the back of a 21.4 contraction
in 20208. Lebanon has seen significantly
humanitarian and protection
increasing poverty rates (on some measures risks.
almost doubling)9 and inflation rates since
2019, the latter particularly in food items, Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS), who
alongside shortages in fuel, electricity and have fled the country and are currently in
medicines. Furthermore, according to the
Lebanon and Jordan, continue to face a
precarious and marginalized existence due
2020 Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian
to their uncertain legal status and limited
Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR), 89 per cent
social protection mechanisms. Data from
of Syrian refugee families live in extreme internal UNRWA monitoring mechanisms
poverty, increasing from 55 per cent only a indicates that an increasing number of
year before, with even worse conditions for Palestine refugees in Lebanon were unable
female-headed households, while over half to cover their basic needs in 2021 as a
of the Lebanese population is poor.10 The consequence of the deep socio-economic
recovery from multi-faced crises is expected crisis faced by the country, compounded
to take years.
by the socio-economic impact of COVID-19.
Mounting food insecurity has meant
that many Palestine refugees are forced
to employ increasingly harmful coping
mechanisms to meet their families’ basic
needs. In Jordan, high unemployment
A socio-economic survey conducted by
rates, in particular among youth, and the
UNRWA in 2020 found that 87.3% protracted socio-economic impacts of
of Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) live COVID-19 have increased the vulnerability
below the absolute poverty line and 11.3 of PRS families and most vulnerable
per cent exist in a state of abject poverty Palestine refugees in Jordan. This
includes approximately 174,564 Palestine
refugees “ex-Gazans” and 156 Palestine
refugees from Iraq. The situation is further
compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic,
which has exacted a heavy socio-economic
and public health toll.
“All my daughter is asking for is to officially
be a refugee!”
Scores of people, including children, died in recent
years because of these electricity lines. Today, it is
home to about 20,000 people. UNRWA – a partner
UN agency- is the main service provider in Lebanon’s
12 camps whereabout 115,000 people live. UNICEF
estimates half are children, two thirds live in
poverty. UNICEF estimates that within four weeks, 4
million people are at risk of having no water as water
pumping will gradually cease across the country mainly
due to fuel shortages. We passed by the Haifa Hospital;
the only hospital available in the camp.
(UNICEF – UNRWA LEBANON)
Photo by UNICEF Lebanon / Juliette Touma
Read More
11Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Demographic Characteristics
The demographic characteristics of populations drives institutional, environmental, and
social pressures across the 3RP countries. The influx of a large refugee population has, in
some instances, contributed to deepening these pressures.
Three key demographic trends emerge. demographic pressures have exacerbated Community relations
Firstly, 3RP countries have slightly challenges related to the management of in Lebanon
above-average population growth rates natural resources, particularly water and
compared to global trends11, and this land, as well as the management of solid Over the last three years, refugee-host
occurs in the context of hosting large-scale waste and wastewater. It has also impacted community relations in Lebanon have been on
refugee populations: Turkey hosts the energy demand and consumption, as well a negative trajectory. In August 2021, through
most refugees of any country in the world, as air quality with significant implications the regular UNDP-ARK perception surveys12,
while Lebanon hosts the most refugees per for the living conditions, health and 36 per cent of respondents reported negative
capita in the world, with Jordan among the livelihoods of populations, particularly for inter-communal relations, as compared to
top five countries for per capita refugees. the most vulnerable. Meanwhile, youth 21 per cent in July 2018. This is an evidence
unemployment becomes increasingly
Secondly, children and youth constitute that relationships are becoming increasingly
challenging as rates are far higher than the
a high proportion of the population in strained, with pressure points ranging from
general unemployment rates especially for
3RP countries. Over 50 per cent of the access to services and job competition, to
women. Demographic pressures can also
population in Egypt, Iraq and Jordan, 46 historical grievances between the communities.
increase competition in the job market,
per cent in Turkey, and around 48 per cent Increasingly, also, social media is being used
affecting wage rates and work conditions.
in Lebanon are children and youth, under
as a platform to share, anti-refugee sentiments
24 years old. A key aspect related to demographic
with inflammatory messages.
characteristics is social cohesion. Relations
Third, the region is characterized by an
in and between different communities The main immediate causes to inter-communal
increasingly urbanized population. In
are dynamic and complex in most 3RP tensions are reportedly access to cash (75 per
most 3RP countries, the majority of the
countries, and the influx of a large refugee
population is already urbanized, and cent) and competition for lower skilled jobs
population has added more layers of
reaches some 90 per cent in Lebanon, (53 per cent). Aid perception bias is high, while
complexity across the region. While 3RP
Jordan and Turkey. Furthermore, this ratio one fifth of the population has led at least one
countries have managed to ensure a
continues to grow particularly as young individual in their household lose their source of
generally strong level of social cohesion
people in rural areas move to cities or other income due to the crisis.
during nearly a decade of hosting large-
urbanized areas in search of education
scale refugee populations, this has
and/or employment. Meanwhile, nearly 95 Meanwhile, access to basic services such as
required significant effort and has not
per cent of registered refugees continue electricity and health are severely strained;
been without challenges. Numerous
to live in urban and peri-urban non-camp in August 2021, only 3.6 per cent rated the
assessments point to the key sources
settings. quality of electricity in their area as ‘good’ or
of tensions across the region, including
While the combination of a growing, increased job competition, rising costs better. With prices having skyrocketed and the
youthful, and urbanized population of living, and access to basic services, currency having plummeted, there is a high risk
has the potential to reap a dividend in all issues exacerbated by the pandemic. that the reduction or removal of subsidies on
terms of economic growth potential This has created intense pressure on basic commodities could further exacerbate
and increased productivity, it has also municipalities, including related to local
tensions.
brought numerous stresses, particularly service provision. These drivers can often
related to access to basic and essential be fueled by misperceptions, frustrations, In terms of intra-Lebanese tensions, in August
services. For example, the growth in the and higher levels of stress across 2021, 58% of the Lebanese responsdents to the
school-aged population, compounded communities. UNDP-ARK Survey cited political differences as
by the additional demand for education a main tension driver, compared to 33% in July
services from the refugee population,
2019, followed bydifferences in socio-economic
has put the education systems of these
status13.
countries under additional pressure.
Though variations exist across countries,
12Regional Needs
& Vulnerabilities
There are over 7 million refugees and 13 million vulnerable
members of host communities in 3RP countries that need
continuous support.
Understanding their specific needs and It is important to note that the needs
potentials is vital to ensuring that they outlined in the following pages are not
can receive the required protection and exhaustive; there are a range of specific
assistance support. sectoral and country-level needs that have
been identified. Such needs are presented
The following section provides an
in section 3 and in the relevant country-
overview of the key regional needs and
level needs documents.
vulnerabilities. To ensure a holistic and
inter-sectoral perspective, it is presented
according to the four main areas where
people require support – as reflected in the
3RP regional strategic directions:
1. Protecting people
2. Pursuing durable solutions
3. Ensuring dignified lives
4. Enhancing national and
local capacities
Aida Al Mahoumd, a 65-year-old Lebanese
host community member
Lebanon has been suffering from limited power and
complications with energy generation for years which led
to a rise in electricity and fossil fuel shortages causing
an average of 20 hours of electricity outage per day and
posing serious challenges to people’s livelihoods, safety,
and security.
Photo by UNDP Lebanon / Rana Sweidan
13Regional Needs Overview November 2021
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 Strengthening of GBV Prevention and In Turkey,
in the host countries, protection Response through Access to Specialized child marriage is a
vulnerabilities related to legal status, Services; Mainstreaming of GBV Risk serious concern as well.
gender, age, diverse background including Mitigation across Sectors; and Bolstering According to latest data available,
SOGIESC14 and specific needs are among Gender Equality. the 2018 Turkey Demographic and
the most urgent needs identified in Health Survey showed that 14
regional assessments. Such assessments Women and girls continue to be per cent of Turkish women aged
also point to the fact that host community disproportionately at risk of Gender- 20-24 were married before 18; 45
members may also face some of these Based Violence (GBV) in 3RP countries per cent of Syrian women under
protection risks in some countries. although men and boys can also be temporary protection status in
Therefore, there is a continued need for an affected. Individuals with diverse SOGIESC
Turkey aged 20-24 were married by
age, gender and diversity (AGD) approach and other persons with specific needs
their 18th birthday, with 9 per cent
to be adopted when assessing protection are at heightened risk of GBV. Among the
of them married by 15. According
needs and designing and delivering frequently reported forms of GBV affecting
to a Report by ECPAT, a network of
protection and assistance interventions refugees and host communities, forced
organisations that strives to end
and services. and child marriage, sexual violence,
the sexual exploitation of children,
sexual abuse and exploitation, stigma, and
increasing numbers of Syrian families
intimate partner and domestic violence
are marrying off their underage
are the most common. However, economic
daughters for money in the wake of
and social stress coupled with ongoing
the coronavirus crisis. There is a need
measures related to COVID-19, have
to tackle the raising of Syrian girls
continued to heighten the risks of GBV.
marriage and reduce this negative
The pandemic and ensuing movement
restrictions exacerbated existing risks coping mechanism to protect the
of GBV and to some extent still do, with rights of girls to decide over their
multiple 3RP countries observing an bodies.
increase in reports of intimate partner and
domestic violence, while also hindering
Turkish women aged 20-24 who
access to life-saving services for survivors
married before the age of 18
and other essential mental health and
medical services. 14%
Women and girls face gender-specific
barriers, particularly to education and
the labour market. Displaced women are
more likely to hold precarious jobs in
the informal sector and, as many faced Syrian women under temporary
disruptions in livelihoods and income protection status in Turkey aged
generating activities as a result of the 20-24 who married by their 18th
COVID-19 pandemic, targeted programming birthday
is needed in this area. Individuals with 45%
diverse SOGIESC also face challenges in
accessing services and the labour market.
A further emphasis for sectoral approaches
Even after years of living in a refugee camp,
to gender equality and women’s
Fidda still has not fully wrapped her mind empowerment is needed. Syrian women under temporary
around what her life looks like now. “I still protection status in Turkey who
do not understand how I ended up here. I still were married by the age of 15
cannot believe that this is my life now,” she said.
9%
Photo by by DRC / Martin Thaulow
14Protection from Sexual Exploitation Child Protection Awareness Mental Health and Psychosocial
and Abuse (PSEA) and Services Support Services (MHPSS)
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Children are among the most affected Refugees in 3RP countries may
when referring to the form of GBV by conflict and displacement, not only have experienced varying
that constitutes an abuse of power facing heightened protection risks, degrees of traumatic experiences
by humanitarian workers against including physical and sexual violence, prior to and during their flight, but
the population they are meant to recruitment, torture, kidnapping, also faced uncertainty, loss and
protect and assist, is an ongoing early marriage, child labour, family a range of social and economic
risk. Although SEA can happen at separation, lack of birth registration hardships in host countries that can
any time, the risk increases during in and continued access to services. impose additional stress. Refugees
times of crisis, including during public The COVID-19 pandemic has with pre-existing mental health
health emergencies like the COVID-19 compounded the needs of forcibly conditions often confront even greater
pandemic, when there is a scale-up displaced children, also noting challenges. Children, adolescents,
in humanitarian response and in increased parental anxieties and and youth exposed to chronic stress,
situations where essential needs of frustrations caused by social isolation violence, including GBV, are at an
those most at-risk in communities and fears around livelihoods and elevated risk of developing a mental
are not adequately met. Women and financial difficulties, which further health condition. The mental health
children are particularly at risk. To aggravate tensions increasing the situation in the 3RP countries, where
ensure Accountability to the Affected risk of child abuse, neglect, violence accessibility to MHPSS for refugees is
Population by 3RP partners, there is and exploitation. One of the major already highly challenging due to the
a need to support measures taken to child protection concerns is the paucity of services, socio-economic
provide protection from and response persistent use of child labour among constraints, and mental-illness stigma,
to SEA by securing resources to recruit refugee children and vulnerable host was further exacerbated by the
staff responsibly; provide training communities. In addition to poverty, COVID-19 pandemic during which an
for staff; raise awareness among refugee children are also affected by increase in psychosocial vulnerabilities
and engage with the community; other determinants of child labour, and mental health conditions was
strengthen complaint and feedback such as the breakdown of social observed and spikes of self-harm and
mechanisms in consultation with fabric of families and communities, suicide instances were reported.
the community; reinforce reporting economic crisis, and the disruption
mechanisms, ensure provision of of education and training. Female-
victim/survivor centred assistance headed households face additional
through safe referrals to GBV response vulnerabilities and rely on child
services; build capacity to conduct labour twice as much as male-headed
investigations; and appoint PSEA households. Children with disabilities
focal points and boost coordination often live in isolated situations due to
networks. discrimination, which may result in
situations where they may be exposed
to additional risks, stigma, and
exploitation, including child trafficking
and abuse, and inadequate access to
services. In some 3RP countries, the
COVID-19 prevention and containment
measures have forced many children
to isolate in unsafe households, with
limited child protection, health and
education services.
Read More “I have to support my parents and my
brothers. They don’t have anyone else
but me.”
Eleven-year-old Syrian refugee Namaat sweeps
As Lebanon slips deeper within its multiple the floor at home in Amman, Jordan. Her family
crises, desperate coping mechanisms are being fled Homs in 2013 and their dire financial situation
employed within vulnerable families. has seen Naamat take on household duties.
With mounting debts, some are encouraging
young girls to marry. Photo by UNHCR / Diego Ibarra Sánchez
Photo by by UNICEF Lebanon / Diego-Ibarra
15Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Access and Quality of Education
Since 2019, the share of At the end of 202016, Egypt, Iraq,
children aged 5-17 Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, were
engaged in child labour hosting slightly more than 2.1 million
increased from school-aged Syrian refugee children
2.7 %, to 4.4 % in 2020, (5-17 years old). Around two thirds of
and 5.3 % in 2021. these school-aged refugee children
were enrolled in education, but 41
Additionally, and as across the years, per cent of them were out of formal
child labour is constantly higher and non-formal education, recording
among boys (8.1 per cent) than girls an increase compared to 2019, when
(2.1 per cent). the share of out-of-school refugee
children was 36 per cent. The decade
long war, domestic economic declines
One of the major child protection concerns is the
placed a tremendous stress on the
persistent issue of child labour among refugee
overstretched education systems in
both Syria and the host countries,
children and vulnerable host communities. In addition
impacting previous investments and
to poverty, refugee children are also affected by other
progress made in the sector. Despite
determinants of child labour, such as the breakdown of
the continued efforts made by national
the social fabric of families and communities, economic
governments, humanitarian actors and
crises, the disruption of education and training, and most
development partners, the number
recently, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic. In
of out of school children in Syria and
Lebanon specifically, the 2020 Beirut explosion created
the five host countries remains high,
yet another risk factor overlaying the others.14
estimated between 3.2 million and 3.6
million.
The spread of the pandemic in
Multiple factors explain the increase in children
2020 created an unprecedented
engaged in labour, such as high unemployment,
disruption, heightened protection
increase in street-connected children, poverty, poor
risks for the most vulnerable and
shelter, and others. Additionally, there were challenges worsened inequalities. Many
in accessing schools, online education, and the children, adolescents and youth
deteriorating economic situation all of which increase the faced unequal access to distance
likelihood of a child engaging in labour. education opportunities because
they lacked internet, devices, and the
necessary support services, such as
language classes and psycho-social
Child labour is consistently under-reported
support. Additionally, suspension of
compared to observations on the field. This
school meal programmes negatively
might be due to fear of losing humanitarian assistance. impacted children’s nutrition and
health, especially those from the
most vulnerable backgrounds. As
the schools reopened their doors for
2020-2021 school year a substantial
number of children from forcibly
displaced communities remained
at risk of not coming back to school
or dropping out completely due to
9 % of individuals were found to learning loss, protection issues and
have a disability in Lebanon, economic pressures encountered by
30 % with physical or intellectual needs their families.
in Jordan and 8% in Egypt.
While children have benefited from
A study in Lebanon and Jordan showed quality and capacity improvements
that “22.8 per cent of the surveyed made in education systems across the
Syrian refugees have disabilities” 3RP countries over the past decade,
(1 in 5 refugees has a disability)
ensuring that inclusive and flexible
while estimations by the World Health
education systems remain available to
all children requires increased efforts
Organization to be 15 per cent.15
along mainstreaming the refugee
response in long-term education
development plans.
16Civil Documentation
Community-based Protection
People with specific needs and diverse profiles
Ensuring that Syrian refugees have durable solutions. However, refugees continue to face challenges to access information
access to civil documentation in 3RP often face challenges in accessing these and services, disclose their needs for protection
countries is an essential component documents, including, for example, and support, provide feedback and participate. The
of the protection response to complex and often bureaucratic COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need
guarantee their enjoyment of basic procedures; a lack of awareness of for increased coordination and multifunctional
rights. Ensuring that refugees are requirements and processes to obtain approaches to address emerging information
able to obtain, replace, and renew civil documentation; limited access to needs and reach all persons of concern in different
civil documentation remains a key legal support, inconsistencies in the settings. Opportunities are needed to enhance
need across the region, noting that application of laws and procedures. The inclusion and participation of all community
many refugees arrive in neighbouring COVID-19 pandemic, for example, also members, and ensure their equal access to asylum
countries either without, with few meant that people missed applications and protection, multisectoral services and civil
or with expired documents. Civil deadlines for renewals. rights, while preventing fraud, corruption, and
documentation is often needed to other forms of misconduct.
For Palestinian refugees from Syria
access vital protection, government
(PRS), specifically in Lebanon and
services, schools, health care and
Jordan, issues related to documentation
other rights and entitlements. Notably,
are an added protection challenge for Today in Lebanon,
Syrian children born abroad acquire an estimation of 90 per cent of Syrian
this vulnerable group. According to
nationality exclusively through refugee households with persons
UNRWA, an estimated 51 per cent of PRS
their fathers, but in approximately with disabilities live in extreme poverty19, and
surveyed in 2021 did not have residency
one-fourth of refugee households, these households are living on less than half the
in Lebanon, an increase from 34 per
children have not fathers to attest to Lebanese minimum wage20. Among individuals
cent in 2019. This has a significant
their nationality. Birth registration with a disability, 18 per cent did not have legal
impact on their ability to find work,
is therefore especially important in residency permits and cannot access services,
access services such as education, or
providing legal evidence of a child’s adopting harmful coping mechanism as reducing
move freely. Similarly, in Jordan, PRS
paternity, as well as its nationality on the number and portions of food per day.
without a valid Jordanian identification
this basis. The failure to register the
document face restrictions on
birth of a Syrian child places the child
employment, limited access to courts,
at risk of statelessness. The registration
of vital life events, such as births,
civil status and registration processes, For Lebanon,
and are continuously exposed to the unlike in previous years (where cost of
deaths and marriages in a timely
risk of arrest, detention and potential transportation was the main barrier
manner is also critical to avoiding
forced return to Syria. cited), the cost of ICT devices for online learning
more complex challenges in the
future, including related to achieving and predictable internet connectivity and electricity
are the main barriers to access to education; and
this is more so for younger age groups, as devices
are more available to older students. Also fear from
COVID-19 has more affected students in younger
In Lebanon, “64 % of age groups, where it is more challenging to abide
children with disabilities by prevention measures than with older age
(aged 15 to 17) and groups. In some instances, the level of literacy of
50 % (aged 6 to 14) are parents/caregivers, and more precisely their ability
not attending to manipulate electronic devices and/or online
school.17 applications, is considered a barrier to access.
For the above-mentioned barriers for children of
compulsory school age (6-14), there is a clear gap
for youth (15 years and above), with marriage
being the key barrier for females and labour for
males.
In Egypt, 9 % of refugees aged 18 years and
above are illiterate, 57 % have primary or
preparatory education, and almost
12 % have higher education.
Disaggregation by strata, less than 5 per cent of
Syrian refugees 18 years and more are illiterate,
while this per centage increased to 14 per cent
among other refugees. 18
17Regional Needs Overview November 2021
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.
Safe, Voluntary, and Resettlement and Complementary
Total Voluntary Refugee Returns Dignified Returns Pathways Opportunities
(From 2016 to 31 October 2021)
Despite barriers to returns remaining Syrians remain the largest refugee
298,067
and the overall low intention of population globally in need of
Syrian refugees in the region to resettlement in 2022, with an
return in the immediate future, tens estimated 592,055 Syrian refugees
of thousands of refugees do make currently in need of resettlement.
Data as of
31 October 2021 the spontaneous or self-organized In the first half of 2021, the number
Additional movement every year. The reasons of Syrians referred for resettlement
data
18,909
are diverse, but often include was 8,105, compared to 8,932 and
personal circumstances including 16,810 in the same periods of 2020
TURKEY
the wish to be closer to loved ones. and 2019 respectively. Although the
120,439 The 3RP acknowledges voluntary 2021 figure represents 72 per cent
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
return in safety and dignity is the against all nationalities and the
fundamental right of every refugee total resettlement submissions from
and respects those who have made MENA and Turkey, the submission
the free and informed decision to represents just 1.4 per cent against
return at a time of their choice. Those the overall resettlement needs for
LEBANON
2,716
who make the decision to return Syrian Refugees. The outlook for
65,686 display a range of needs, including the remainder of 2021 and 2022
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 related to counselling, information is improved; linked to a stronger
and advice and support, assistance re-engagement of USA resettlement
with documentation or other specific processing.
needs. While there is no facilitation
As the needs of Syrians far outstrip
or promotion of return, supporting
the available resettlement places
JORDAN those who make the decision to
5,534 which would likely be made
return is vital to ensure important
60,561 available, a broader call for third
protection dividends, reduce the
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 country solutions including through
risk of harm, and contribute to an
complementary pathways is needed.
informed and dignified return.
In line with second aim of the Three-
Year Strategy on Resettlement and
Complementary Pathways, the MENA
IRAQ 3,116 Contact Group for Complementary
Pathways (MCGCP) was formed in
49,741
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
November 2020, which is the key
vehicle for driving complementary
pathways in the region in 2021 and
beyond. The MCGCP is a multilateral
platform with over 117 participants
283
that disseminates information
EGYPT on opportunities, advocates
1,640 for complementary pathways
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 programmes, and shares best
practices among partners, including
3RP, resettlement states and private
sector actors.
18Access to Local Opportunities
and Solutions
As many Syrian refugees are likely It also reduces the risk of
to remain in host countries into displaced persons irregularly
the medium term, expanding relocating to third countries,
local opportunities and solutions which are often associated with
remains a key need across perilous journeys under exploitive
the refugee population. While conditions. In the past year, there Survey - March 2021
Sixth Regional Survey on
the scale and scope of such have been increased reports of Syrian Refugee’s Perceptions and
opportunities are different in each Syrian refugees moving onwards Intentions on Return to Syria
of the 3RP countries, refugee’s from the region, Such movements
needs include a supportive legal have exposed Syrians to numerous
and administrative framework dangers including drowning, Question:
that protects rights and provides assault and detention. This year, “Do you hope to go back
a range of socio-economic for example, Syrians have been to Syria one day?”
opportunities to build self-reliance among the primary nationalities
in the short term, while enhancing ending up in detention in Libya
the prospect of achieving a and also arriving in Italy after No: 20%
successful durable solution in the crossing from Libya.
future. Such opportunities can Don’t
help people re-gain full agency of know: 10%
their legal, material, and physical
well-being and safety.
Yes: 70%
Data as of March 2021
Projected Resettlement Needs,
Submissions and Departures for
Syrian refugees in MENA and
Turkey
= SYR needs
= SYR submissions
= SYR departures
Photos by UNHCR
/ Diego Ibarra Sánchez
2020
Thirteen-year-old Syrian refugee Bakr works in a super-
market and delivers food to support his family in Barja,
Lebanon. 2019
Struggling to find a job after an injury sustained during the siege
and living under the deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon,
Mohammad and his wife, Wafaa, are forced to rely on the income of 2018
their son, Bakr, who is only 13 years old. He dropped out of school
and started working two years ago, putting on hold his dreams of
studying architecture, to support his family. However, his earnings
barely cover monthly rent and the family is in dire need. “When I see 2017
my son working and not studying, I feel so sad”, said Wafaa worrying
about his son’s psychological state.
0 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000
Resettlement is a life-saving and important protection tool for many
refugees like Bakr and his family whose fundamental rights are at risk
in the country of asylum.
Additional
data
Note: The story is from 2020 and the family were waiting to be
resettled which had been postponed due to the pandemic.
19Regional Needs Overview November 2021
Supporting Dignified Lives
The crisis continues to impact protection and socio-economic well-being of vulnerable
populations. 3RP partners estimate that some 20 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, and addressing them is a priority for 3RP partners.
Ensuring Food Security Livelihoods Opportunities for Refugees
and Host communities
Food Security Sector partners have worked Income losses coupled with the absence
to reach the most vulnerable across the or limited capacity of social safety
region with life-saving food assistance, nets in most 3RP countries have led
while increasingly focusing on the to an increased use of harmful coping
promotion of dietary diversity, sustainable strategies by vulnerable individuals.
agriculture and rural livelihoods. In This occurs especially as most of the
2020 and 2021, challenges related to refugees have limited or not eligible for
the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated government assistance due to national
vulnerability to food insecurity significantly policy limitations. The concentration in
across each of its food dimensions the informal sector allows refugees to
(food availability, access, affordability, earn some income as part of their coping
utilization, and stability). Assessments strategies. Many households have used up
indicate higher needs among both their already limited savings to face the
refugees and vulnerable host communities, crisis, leading to increased indebtedness
while groups who have so far withstood and exposure to high-interest loan rates. In
the effects of the Syria crisis are now addition to debts, households also report
considered extremely vulnerable to food cutting down the number of meals and
insecurity. This is also contributing to other “non-priority” household expenses.
public tensions and social insecurities. Female-headed househoolds are often
most at risk in this regard. The livelihoods
of women are also in jeopardy.
The loss of jobs and income among both
refugees and host communities has also
exacerbated competition over scarcer
employment opportunities, particularly
In Jordan, for low-skilled workers, and public
only 2 per cent of refugee households can services. This has contributed to rising
meet their essential food needs, 79 per cent social tensions in some countries, both Click to watch video
designated food as their top need, mostly between refugees and host communities
because of a lack of money. and between host community members
Nissrine is a Syrian refugee living in Bekaa
themselves. Valey, Lebanon.
Moreover, COVID-19 has highlighted that
While considering herself to be a strong woman,
refugees and other informal workers are
Findings from an UNRWA multi-sectoral Nissrine is finding it difficult to cope with daily
unable to benefit from public employment hardships - paying for basic needs and food, securing
Rapid Survey on the impact of COVID-19,
support and social assistance schemes in accommodation, and seeking livelihoods.
conducted in 2020, showed that 62 per cent case of severe economic downturn.
of surveyed PRS families were concerned Video by WeWorld Global;
Part of the “Stuck in Time” series
about not having enough food to eat, while
90 percent did not have enough cash to
sustain their family for two weeks. Almost
half of the respondents (49.6 per cent) had
their work disrupted by COVID-19.
20You can also read
