Childhood in the Shadow of War

Now in its fifth year, the armed conflict in Syria continues to increase in intensity. More and more civilians are being driven from their homes to seek safe shelter elsewhere in the country, or, increasingly, outside of Syria’s borders, which has led to one of the largest movements of refugees in recent history. By late 2015, there were 4.29 million Syrian refugees registered with UNCHR. In Iraq, 3.2 million Iraqis are displaced alongside Syrian refugees.

This report provides a unique snapshot of the pressures and burdens of daily life in host communities as experienced by Syrian refugee children now living in Lebanon and the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and internally displaced (IDP) Iraqi children.

Save the Children is particularly concerned with the significant impacts on development and psychosocial well-being the conflict and resulting displacement have had on children and their families. Due to this, Save the Children Sweden undertook fieldwork in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and in Tripoli, Lebanon in August 2015 with the intention of sharing the voices of children, their caregivers and Save the Children staff.

The following two videos are meant to further highlight and briefly present the challenges facing children who have fled the conflict in Syria. 

Hanan and Reem:

Aden: