Description
The humanitarian situation is dire for conflict-displaced people in camps and leaving camps across Northern Iraq and Syria. Our study focusses on women and families at different stages of the return journey; those still in camps, transitioning to places of return, or relocating to new places.
The international community committed to 25,000 people returning over 3 years, even as UNOCHA and other agencies are withdrawing from the region. Donor de-prioritisation and drawdown is hampering ongoing relief and recovery efforts, despite the persistent humanitarian crisis. Protection mechanisms are weak, and women and their families suffer compounded vulnerabilities around security, education, healthcare and basic services such as drinkable water. Many people have left camps. However, with nowhere to go, some are stuck living next to the camp as their sole contacts and sources of information are there. Such informal settlements are likely to become shantytowns.
Working with local researchers, we examine the priorities and needs of people at various stages of displacement. What protection networks exist for women and children, and what gaps are here highlighted? We investigate the implications for children of displacement, camp life, then the chaos of return, and ask whether these traumas might increase the risks for future radicalisation and violence?
