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Syrian refugee youth feel helpless and excluded from the decisions that affect them, according to a new report from the Norwegian Refugee Council. ”The Syrian youth will have a vital role in the rebuilding of their country – we cannot afford to let them down”, says Toril Brekke, acting Secretary General for NRC.
Video: Hanadi - a young Syrian girl's life in refuge
Of the more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees, children and youth make up over half of the refugee population. Family dynamics are changing, and youth have been charged with new responsibilities, including tremendous pressure to earn a living and provide care for their families within a difficult environment in neighboring countries. Despite great needs, youth programming and dedicated funding is often lacking.
“Refugee youth are generally overlooked in emergencies throughout the world, often leading to frustration and anger. It is critical that the host countries and the international community work together to provide young refugees with quality training and education, as well as economic opportunities”, says Brekke.
The need for funding and programming for Syrian refugee youth has not yet been met, according to NRC’s new report, ‘Drivers of Change – Ignored and Marginalized’. The report draws attention to the difficult situation for Syrian youth in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan and encourages aid organizations, the international community, the United Nations and the Government of Jordan to engage the youth and provide them with better opportunities.
“The Syrian youth need to be much more involved in day-to-day running of refugee camps such as Zaatari. They are an important segment of the displaced Syrian population with critical significance for the future of their communities and should be engaged as a positive resource, a role which NRC is devoted to promoting,” says Robert Beer, acting Country Director for NRC.
On 4 July 2013, NRC will formally open its new youth center in Zaatari camp. The center will accommodate up to 1,750 Syrian youth aged 14-25 who are interested in attending literacy and numeracy, English and IT classes along with vocational training, life skills and sports activities in a safe environment. The center is funded by UNICEF and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read more at www.nrc.no/syriaresponse
