7 Essential Insights on Syrian Refugees

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Picture this: you witness your partner being brutally attacked right before your eyes. Days later, you’re jolted from sleep by a thunderous explosion, and you struggle through the debris-laden air to reach your child’s room. Tragically, you find your little one lifeless beneath the wreckage.

Now, imagine that while your children manage to survive a bombardment, one suffers a devastating injury—a third of her jaw is blown off. She receives urgent medical care, but the last hospital soon crumbles, leaving you without access to pain relief or antibiotics.

These harrowing experiences are the reality for countless families caught in the turmoil of Syria’s civil war. Aleppo, once a thriving city with a population of 2.3 million—similar to that of Chicago—is now a shadow of its former self. I spent over a decade in the Chicago area, and seeing the destruction in Aleppo is heart-wrenching.

This devastation is just a glimpse of a larger crisis that is difficult to fathom. Currently, 13.5 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance, with 6.5 million internally displaced and 4.5 million seeking refuge beyond Syria’s borders. These 4.5 million refugees have sparked debates among citizens and politicians alike about how we can assist. Here are some vital facts to understand about our fellow humans facing unimaginable hardships:

1. The Syrian conflict has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II.
   This situation surpasses the AIDS epidemic, the Ethiopian famine, and other significant disasters. An estimated 11 million individuals—half of Syria’s population—have either died or been forced to flee their homes. The scale of suffering is unprecedented.
2. Neighboring Muslim countries have absorbed most of the refugees.
   Turkey hosts around 2.5 million Syrian refugees, while in Lebanon, one in five residents is a Syrian refugee. Jordan sees about 10% of its population as refugees. In contrast, the United States has admitted just 10,000 in 2016, which is a mere fraction of the total 4.5 million seeking asylum.
3. The majority of Syrian refugees resettling in the U.S. are women and children.
   Contrary to some misleading narratives, approximately 78% of Syrian refugees referred to the United States by the UN are women and children. We have the opportunity to safeguard families in need.
4. The refugee vetting process in the U.S. is extremely thorough.
   The journey to becoming a refugee in America can take up to two years, involving extensive security checks. Post-resettlement, refugees undergo continual scrutiny. If any concerns arise about an individual, they are not admitted, ensuring a careful approach that balances compassion with caution.
5. Countless Syrian children are separated from their parents.
   One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this crisis is the thousands of children who have lost one or both parents. These unaccompanied minors are at heightened risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
6. Children born in refugee camps may face statelessness.
   Many babies born to displaced families lack the necessary documents, such as birth certificates. This lack of documentation can hinder their ability to travel or return home in the future, leaving them vulnerable to a myriad of challenges, including trafficking.
7. There are several ways to help.
   If you are interested in supporting refugees, consider donating to reputable organizations. Smaller NGOs often have fewer bureaucratic obstacles and can deliver much-needed supplies quickly. You can also find local families to assist through refugee resettlement agencies or volunteer with larger organizations like the International Rescue Committee. Welcoming refugees with kindness and hospitality is paramount.

It’s essential to communicate with our representatives in Congress, urging them to take action to support those affected by a war they did not choose. With over 20,000 cities and towns in the U.S., we can accommodate significantly more than the current 10,000 Syrian refugees.

Fear should not deter us from doing what is right. Refugees are fleeing horror, not perpetuating it. Prior to the conflict, Syria was a peaceful nation where people lived, worked, and worshipped freely. The destruction of its rich history and the suffering of millions of innocents demand our attention and empathy.

If we cannot extend our hearts and homes to those who are enduring such atrocities, we must ask ourselves: what does it mean to be humane?

For more insights on supporting families during these challenging times, feel free to check out our other post on contacting us.

Summary

The Syrian civil war has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and in dire need of assistance. While neighboring countries have taken in the majority of refugees, the United States has a critical role to play in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Understanding the challenges faced by these individuals, including issues of statelessness and family separation, is vital for fostering empathy and action. There are numerous ways to help, from donations to volunteering, and it’s crucial to advocate for increased support for refugees.