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1 1 (June 21, 2018)

handle is hein.crs/govzdv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Co -ngesoa Reerh evc 0 Updated June 21, 2018 Syria's Humanitarian and Protection Crisis: Current Status The humanitarian and protection needs of the Syrian population have increased in manifold ways since the start of the Syrian conflict in March 2011. Years of war have contributed to the vulnerability of millions of Syrians and led to an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 deaths since 2011. The majority of Syria's remaining population (estimated to be about 17 million in 2016) requires humanitarian and protection assistance. The United States is the largest humanitarian donor to Syria, and Congress may seek to further review U.S. funding and programs as well as address ongoing challenges, such as those associated with civilian protection. Scope of the Humanitarian Needs In its 2018 Humanitarian Needs Overview, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimated that nearly 69% of the Syrian population lives in extreme poverty, with a majority in dire circumstances. For the 5.3 million children affected by the conflict, the impact can be seen in profound, life-changing ways. Many have lost parents and siblings and experienced psychological trauma or physical injury. Experts note a sharp increase in child labor and other activities of an exploitative and illicit nature involving children. Population Displacement and Movement Shifting frontlines, changeable territorial control, and high levels of violence also make the provision of humanitarian assistance difficult if not impossible in some areas. As of May 2018, an estimated 13.1 million people inside Syria, more than three quarters of the population, need assistance, including 5.6 million Syrians facing particularly acute needs due in part to conditions of displacement, exposure to hostilities, and limited access to basic goods and services. Approximately 2.98 million people of those in acute need are living in hard-to-reach areas controlled by Syrian government forces, opposition forces, or terrorist organizations. Experts estimate that there are more than 6.1 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Syria, but this number is imprecise and fluid. Displacement shifts as the situation on the ground evolves. Many Syrians, some of whom have been displaced multiple times within the country, leave their homes to escape violence and then return when conflict in their area decreases. It is not clear how many IDPs are affected by repeat displacements, or if, or how often, they are included in IDP counts. Many IDPs stay in unofficial shelters, unfinished buildings, makeshift accommodations, and unofficial camps. IDPs are predominantly women, children, and the elderly. The most vulnerable members of communities hosting refugees have been targeted for assistance. Syria also hosts refugees from elsewhere, including 30,000 Iraqis. Other populations have been vulnerable to the conflict, particularly the remaining 420,000 Palestinian refugees. New displacements continue to occur in areas where there is fighting. In addition, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 5.6 million Syrians have registered as refugees abroad, with most fleeing to countries in the immediate surrounding region (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt) as well as Europe, where many Syrians have applied for asylum. Experts recognize that some fleeing Syrians have not registered as refugees and have chosen instead to blend in with the local population, living in rented accommodations and makeshift shelters, particularly in towns and cities. UNOCHA estimates that 85% of all Syrian refugees are living outside camps in mostly urban settings, where refugees are often more difficult to identify and assist. Civilian Protection and Access Concerns Systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) have been widespread by all parties, including the Islamic State. Civilian protection concerns include mass executions, systematic rape and sexual violence, torture, and appalling treatment of those in detention. Conflict has also resulted in high levels of civilian casualties, exposure to explosive hazards, and indiscriminate attacks. Groups with greater vulnerability include children, youth, women and girls, people with chronic illness, disabilities, and injuries, and the elderly. According to many observers, religious and ethnic minorities have been under threat, and the security situation has had a major impact on their wellbeing. The protection of civilians in conflict is closely intertwined with a lack of access to populations and the safe provision of assistance. National and international humanitarian efforts have been severely constrained in providing assistance and protection to IDPs and others affected by the conflict in Syria due to restrictions imposed by the parties to the conflict. Government and opposition interference, the closure of key border points, bureaucratic procedures, and resource ittps://crsreports.congress

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