WUNRN
Direct Link to Full 24-Page 2014 Publication:
Handicap International, HelpAge International
Hidden Vctims: Radical Change
Needed for Older, Disabled & Injured Syrian Refugees
London,
9th April 2014. New research shows that older, disabled and injured Syrian
refugees are paying a double toll as a result of the conflict. The report,
released by Handicap International and HelpAge International, provides new data
showing how much these vulnerable refugees are struggling to meet their specific
needs.
The
two agencies are calling on all national and international humanitarian
stakeholders providing assistance to Syrian refugees to change the way aid is
delivered so that disabled, injured and older refugees are no longer the hidden
casualties of the conflict. More precise targeting and registration of refugees
and better training of staff will ensure humanitarian assistance is accessible,
appropriate and effective, says the report.
The
Syrian crisis has now generated the largest refugee movement since the 1994
Rwandan genocide. The report shows that, hidden amongst the overall refugee
population, disabled, injured and older refugees and those suffering from
chronic diseases, are facing significant difficulties in accessing appropriate
aid.
Invisible,
the most vulnerable people are at far greater risk of falling through the gaps
of humanitarian relief, with a far higher impact on their health, living
conditions and social integration than for other refugees, as well as increased
psychological distress. Yet, studies of humanitarian assistance show how these
same groups are often neglected in the assessment, the collection of data,
design and delivery of humanitarian relief.
The
report’s findings, based on primary data collected across 3,200 refugees, are
stark:
·
30% of refugees in Jordan and Lebanon have specific needs:
-One in 5
refugees is affected by physical, sensory or intellectual impairment
-One in 7
refugees is affected by chronic disease
. One in 20 suffers from injury, with nearly 80% of these injuries
directly resulting from the conflict.
·
77% of older refugees (60+) are affected by impairment, injury
or chronic disease.
·
Refugees affected by impairment, injury or chronic disease are
twice as likely as the general refugee population to report signs of
psychological distress.
·
65% of older refugees present signs of psychological distress.
·
45% of refugees with specific needs have problems carrying out
simple daily tasks.
“The
lack of psychosocial or mental health care is a major challenge, significantly
affecting the well-being of older people but also placing an additional burden
on their families” says Toby Porter, Chief Executive Officer of HelpAge
International. “Aid needs to be tailored specifically so that older, disabled
and injured Syrian refugees are provided with appropriate treatment, so that
this in turn may help to reduce the trauma of displacement.”
Thierry-Mehdi
Benlahsen, Regional Emergency Coordinator from Handicap International, says:
“Displacement has a severe negative impact on the daily life of disabled and
injured people, who need urgent access to health services but also long-term
medical, financial and social support. Addressing the needs of all refugees is
critical to the delivery of principled and impartial aid. As such, the findings
of the report have far reaching consequences for the way humanitarian response
activities are designed and delivered.”
To ensure that people with specific needs are no longer the forgotten casualties of this conflict, Handicap International and HelpAge International are making eight recommendations, such as appropriate collection of information so that older, disabled and injured refugees can access essential services such as healthcare, income support and rehabilitation services.