A recent report by Concern Worldwide, the international aid agency, has shown first-hand the contagious effect of the violence that has infected what little is left of Syrian society. It has resulted in ordinary civilians feeling unsafe in all environments, whether that be at home, in school, at work or on the streets. The report used a number of focus groups to express the main concerns of civilians who still remain in Northern Syria.
Many concerns
The concerns were many-fold and wide-ranging and include car bombings, bombs going off in crowded places, forced conscription, abuse, harassment, travel restrictions, forced displacement, the spread of disease and lack of treatment. Additionally, the report found that both women and girls were extremely vulnerable to domestic and sexual abuse. They also face harassment and forced marriages. These women and young girls also testified about the violence and sexual harassment they face on a daily basis.
Violence has entered into all aspects of life
Rose Caldwell who is Concern Worldwide (UK) executive director says that after six years of conflict, the violence has now made its way into every part of life and is widespread across all sections of society in Syria. The report emphasises that despite recognition of the fact that protection must be the corner stone of the humanitarian response, the response itself remains dramatically underfunded. There has a gap of 75% between what is needed for the last couple of years.
The humanitarian response has been underfunded
Last year the gap amounted to a deficiency of US$180 million and the report urges member states of the UN and other donors to raise funding for humanitarian protection so that some of the suffering of displaced people still living in Syria since 2011 will be alleviated. The report also pointed out that humanitarian aid is no substitute for failed diplomacy or the lack of political will to end the war.
“The long-term psychological and societal damage of the war will take generations to recover from. Ultimately the rebuilding can only begin when the war ends. UN member states must find a political resolution sooner rather than later for the sake of all the ordinary people inside Syria, before their lives are shattered beyond repair.” Ms Caldwell said.
