Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas North-west Syria, May 2018
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS Coverage:
Idleb governorate and the surrounding opposition-held areas of western Aleppo and north-western 05 10 20 30 1 2 Nabul Hama governorates host one of the largest IDP populations in Syria. Since late 2017, following an Al Bab Tadaf escalation of violence in north-western and southern Syria, the region has witnessed the further arrival of a ¯ Kilometers Haritan Dana Daret Azza substantial number of IDPs. Large cross-line displacements from Eastern Ghouta, northern Homs and southern Harim Hama, beginning in March 2018, have led to a significant increase of the IDP population in the region.3 While Qourqeena Jebel Saman Eastern TURKEY Salqin Kwaires humanitarian assistance is reaching both camps and out-of-camp communities, major gaps remain. In order Atareb Kafr Takharim to address such gaps, REACH has conducted a needs assessment to inform humanitarian actors of Maaret IDPs' needs and to address critical information gaps on the humanitarian conditions of IDPs in host Armanaz Tamsrin ALEPPO As-Safira communities in the region. This situation overview provides an outline of findings from this assessment. Teftnaz Zarbah Hadher Darkosh Bennsh Banan MAIN FINDINGS Janudiyeh Idleb Sarmin • An estimated 1,207,295 IDPs were reported to reside in the 255 assessed communities of Idleb, Aleppo Hajeb and Hama governorates at the time of data collection. On average, IDPs represented 36% of the total Jisr-Ash-Shugur Ariha Saraqab Rabee'a Badama population (3,331,836) in assessed communities. With 377,918 IDPs, Dana sub-district accounted for Mhambal Abul Thohur IDLEB Tall Ed-daman 31% of the total reported IDP population. Kansaba • 68% of all IDPs reportedly arrived to their current location more than six months ago. The majority of Ehsem Khanaser IDPs were reported to originate from other communities in Hama (22%), Aleppo (21%) and Idleb (16%) Ziyara Ma'arrat governorates. Salanfa An Nu'man • An estimated 210 thousand IDPs (17%) were reportedly living in overcrowded shelters at the time of LATTAKIA Kafr Nobol Sanjar data collection.4 Almost half of these (48%) were in Dana, Idleb, Atareb and Salqin sub-districts. Heish Shat-ha • Key Informants (KIs) in 69% of assessed communities reported that IDPs faced a general lack of Madiq Castle Tamanaah employment opportunities as a barrier to accessing livelihoods. The most commonly reported push and Al-Qardaha Khan Shaykun pull factors for IDPs expected to leave their current location in the month following data collection were loss Hamra of income (56%) in their current host communities and job opportunities (66%) elsewhere. As-Saan As-Suqaylabiyah Kafr Zeita HAMA Suran • Assistance from NGOs was reported as one of the most common sources of food for IDPs in 56% of assessed communities. In 78% of assessed communities, IDPs were reportedly using negative coping strategies for lack of food, including selling productive assets and skipping meals. Assessed community (255 total) Assessed sub-district (29 total) Damascus • KIs in 176 (69%) assessed communities reported that health facilities and services accessible to IDPs Governorate boundary Sub-district not assessed were affected by a lack of medicines and medical items. Furthermore, 24% of assessed communities reportedly had no permanent health facilities in the community available to IDPs. • In 134 (54%) assessed communities, IDPs reportedly had no access to a functioning main water network in the month prior to data collection. The most commonly reported source of drinking water for IDPs was METHODOLOGY water trucking, reported in 65% of assessed communities. In 55% of assessed communities, IDPs were Findings presented in this situation overview are based on data collected by REACH as part of a needs reportedly modifying hygiene practices to cope with a lack of water. assessment focused on IDPs living in host communities of Idleb governorate and surrounding areas.5 Data • Despite the availability of formal schools in the majority of assessed communities, the estimated 330 was collected in 255 communities across 29 sub-districts between 24 and 31 May 2018. Data was collected thousand school-aged IDPs reportedly faced many barriers to accessing education. In 53% of at the community level, with enumerators interviewing between 1 and 5 key informants (KIs) per community assessed communities it was reported that some IDP parents could not afford to send their children to and with KIs selected based on their knowledge of IDPs in the community and sector-specific expertise. school. Communities were assessed based on available data on populations and displacement, focusing on those • In 168 assessed communities, IDPs were reported to have, on average, less than 4 hours of electricity reported to host a high number of IDPs and those that have received a high number of IDP arrivals in the per day. In 75% of communities, generators were the most common sources of electricity used by IDPs. two months prior to the start of data collection.6 Collected primary data was further triangulated through • IDPs were reported to be affected by a range of protection risks. While KIs in almost a third of assessed available secondary data sources. Information should only be considered as relevant to the time of data communities reported that IDPs faced a threat of air strikes in the month prior to data collection, either collection, given the dynamic situation in the region. Findings are not statistically representative and should travelling to or after arriving to their current location, KIs in 60% of assessed communities reported that be considered as indicative only, particularly as they are aggregated across locations between which the some IDP children (aged 0 to 17 years) in the community were working. sectoral situation may vary. The full rapid needs assessment data set can be found here.
1 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas
KEY EVENTS Areas of influence and recent major displacements: Despite the declaration of Idleb governorate and surrounding areas as a “de-escalation zone” for a period ⛳⚤ of six months after September 2017,7 the region has experienced a significant escalation of conflict since Area of Influence November 2017. Violent clashes between opposition groups and Government of Syria (GoS) forces Government of Syria Aleppo intensified in the south-east of Idleb governorate (in particular in Abul Thohur, Sanjar, Saraqaband TURKE ⛳⚤ Tamanaah sub-districts) and in western Aleppo and north-eastern Hama governorates and continued until ⛳⚤ Opposition Groups early February 2018. This led to a large wave of displacements from numerous communities near conflict Aleppo Olive Branch/ lines in the south-west of the region. Furthermore, continued air strikes on areas in Idleb governorate far Euphrates Shield from frontlines, including on communities in Idleb, Ma’arrat An Nu’man and other sub-districts in southern and central Idleb governorate, led to a significant number of displacements, with many people reportedly ⛳⚤ Idleb Democratic Federation 8 being displaced multiple times. As Idleb governorate had witnessed the arrival of a large number of IDPs ⛳⚤ of Northern Syria - 9 from northern Hama and western Aleppo governorates in previous months, already over-burdened camps, ⛳⚤ ⛳⚤ Syrian Democratic informal settlements, and host communities had to accommodate a large number of new IDP arrivals in a ⛳⚤ Forces (SDF) short amount of time.10 Sourced from Live UA Map 31 May 2018 GoS forces advance into Areas in southern Idleb become More than 100,000 displaced by southern Idleb, escalating inaccessible to humanitarian Assessed Community offensive in southern Idleb.11 conflict in the governorate.7 actors due to ongoing hostilities.12 Idleb ⛳⚤ Border Crossing Closed ⛳⚤ Border Crossing Open Mid December 2017 Early-mid January 2018 Early-mid January 2018 Border Crossing Hama ⛳⚤ Sporadically Open or Between the second half of March and the first half of April, intensification of conflict in Eastern Ghouta, Restricted Rural Damascus governorate, culminated in the displacement of tens of thousands of people from the area.13 While many were reportedly displaced to collective shelters in Rural Damascus, thousands were evacuated to opposition-held areas in the north-west of the country. The most recent wave of arrivals to TURKE
north-west Syria began with evacuations from Al-Qadam neighbourhood in Damascus between 14 and Al-Hasakeh 15 March and continued with subsequent evacuations from Harasta, Arbin and Duma in Eastern Ghouta & Aleppo between 23 March and 8 April.14 The escalation of clashes that followed in remaining opposition-held areas Ar-Raqqa Idleb
south of Damascus in the Eastern Qalamoun region, and in the Ar-Rastan area in northern Homs and Lattakia southern Hama goverrnorates, led to further displacements from these areas to north-west Syria.15 In total, & approximately 100,000-110,000 arrivals were reported from these areas to north-west Syria between mid & & Hama Deir-ez-Zor March and late May.3 Many of these IDPs arrived to communities in Idleb governorate and surrounding Tartous areas, thus further increasing the burden on many host communities in the region.16 Homs LEBANON IRA Thousands of Limited response capacity to provide Thousands more arrive from areas IDPs return to their assistance in Idleb is stretched further south of Damascus city, from eastern Rural Major displacements into opposition-held communities of origin as large cross-line displacements take Qalamoun, and from northern Homs Damascus Damascus Idleb Region November 2017- May 2018 in south-east Idleb.17 place from Eastern Ghouta.13,14 and southern Hama governorates.18 Quneitra Nov - Feb March - April May Dar'a JORDAN & & & March 2018 March-April 2018 April-May 2018 As-Sweida
2 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas
DEMOGRAPHICS Sub-districts with the largest number of IDPs in assessed communities: 100+28+23+19+18 Idleb governorate and surrounding areas is host to one of the largest IDP populations in Syria. Dana 377,916 While Dana sub-district had Overall, KIs estimated that 1,207,295 IDPs resided in the 255 assessed communities at the Atareb 104,310 the highest total number of IDPs, Janudiyeh sub-district time of data collection, accounting for approximately 36% of the total population of 3,331,836 Salqin 86,451 had the highest proportion individuals. IDPs in communities that were assessed for this situation overview therefore represent Idleb 72,744 of IDPs among its total a majority of the approximately 1.3-1.4 million IDPs living in the entire region.2,6 population (63%) in assessed Ma’arrat An Nu’man 67,610 communities.
Host community 64% 19 IDPs 36% Distribution of IDPs in assessed communities by gender and age: 10+33+31+25 64+36A 59% 60+ years 10% More than half (56%) of all Estimated number of IDPs in Estimated number of residents IDPs in assessed communities 1,207,295 assessed communities. 2,214,541 in assessed communities. 18-59 years 33% were younger than 18 years 6-17 years 31% old. 59% of IDPs in assessed Reported IDP populations in assessed communities at the time of data collection: 41% communities were reportedly 0-5 years 25% Total population Qah women or girls. 530 86,000 Bab El Hawa Dana Proportion of assessed communities reporting three most common IDP profiles: 170,000 Salqin Male-headed Female-headed Elderly 260,000 Kafr Takharim households households ALEPPO 99% 80% 57% Jamiliya Nasra Idleb Most common governorate of origin of Distribution of IDPs by duration of stay in 20 Tiba - Katrin Qanniyeh IDPs in assessed communities (% IDPs): current host community: 9 Hama 22% Less than 2 months
23 9% Ghassaniyeh + Aleppo 21% 2-6 months 23% IDLEB +68 Ma'arrat Idleb 16% More than 6 months 68% An Nu'man Homs 5% Deir-ez-Zor 4% LATTAKIA Rural Damascus 4% Other/unknown 28% More than two thirds of the IDP population Khan Shaykun had reportedly been living in their current location for more than six months. Almost two thirds of IDPs22 reportedly originated +2116544+28A
from other communities in Aleppo, Hama and While only 9% of IDPs arrived to current HAMA Idleb governorates. Recent arrivals from locations in the two months prior to data Proportion of IDPs in total population Rural Damascus represented 4% of the total collection, new arrivals nonetheless 0-25% 26-45% 46-65% 66-80% 81-100% IDP population in assessed communities. represented more than 100,000 IDPs.
3 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas
SHELTER Most commonly reported shelter types of IDPs in assessed communities: An estimated 210 thousand IDPs (17%) in assessed communities of Idleb governorate and 386,767 IDPs were surrounding areas were reported to be living in overcrowded shelters at the time of data Solid/finished house 32% reported to live 4 in solid/finished collection. The most commonly reported shelter types of IDPs were solid/finished houses (32%), Managed camp 21% houses. managed camps (21%) and solid/finished apartments (18%). Many IDPs were reportedly Solid/finished apartment 18% residing in vulnerable shelter conditions, with 94% of assessed communities reporting inadequacies in some current IDP shelters. Over half of all assessed communities reported that Unfinished/damaged building 10% Individual tent 5% 257,788 IDPs were IDPs were in need of doors/door frames and windows/window frames. Meanwhile, only 15 reported to live in of the 255 assessed communities reported that no shelter maintenance or repairs were needed. Other/unknown 14% managed camps. An estimated 250 thousand IDPs were reportedly32 living in vulnerable shelter+211810514A types in assessed 210 Estimated number of IDPs living Estimated number of IDPs living communities, including unfinished/damaged buildings, individual tents and informal settlements. thousand in overcrowded shelters.4 124,066 in unfinished/damaged buildings. Sub-districts with the largest number of IDPs living in overcrowded shelters: Reported shelter sufficiency for IDPs in assessed communities: 100+68+48+39+31 Almost half (48%) of IDPs Dana 39,184 ota popu ation of a communit a living in overcrowded shelters in ic insufficient s e ter for Idleb 26,542 were in Dana, Idleb, Atareb s as reported Atareb 18,616 and Salqin sub-districts. All arim ana Salqin 15,245 of these have witnessed high afr Na a IDP arrivals from other areas tareb afr a arim Kafr Nobol 12,183 in recent months. afr er an rmana Proportion of assessed communities reporting most common IDP shelter issues:21 a arrat amasrin 62+52+42+39+35+6 Aleppo Insufficient number of shelters 62% Shelters are too small 52% Lack of privacy 42% ri a Leaking during rain 39% Shelters are heavily damaged/unusable 35% Idleb No issues 6% a arrat n Nu man Most commonly reported shelter needs of IDPs in assessed communities:21 Lattakia Shelter need # * % Shelter need # % 1. Doors/door frames 186 73% 6. Plaster/material for wall repairs 101 40% an a un 2. Windows/window frames 156 61% 7. Roofing materials 92 36% 3. Tarpaulins/plastic sheeting 124 49% 8. Bricks or other stone blocks 80 31% Hama 4. New/additional tents 108 42% 9. Concrete 47 18% popu ation b sub district of assessed communities in ic insufficient s e ter for s as reported ess t an or e ua to 5. Basic electrical items 104 41% 10. Timber 37 15% *Number and percentage of communities reporting. 4 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas
FOOD SECURITY & LIVELIHOODS Most commonly reported sources of livelihoods for IDPs in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:21 IDPs in Idleb governorate and surrounding areas reportedly faced various challenges in 86+41+38+29+21 accessing livelihoods and meeting their basic food needs. In the majority of assessed Waged labour 86% communities, KIs reported that IDPs rely on sources such as food aid and borrowing, and Petty trading 41% resort to negative coping strategies, including reducing meal sizes, selling productive Food aid 38% assets, and spending days without food. In addition, many staple food sources were reported to Livestock products 29% be either unavailable or unaffordable for IDPs in several communities, with food markets available Loans/remittances/food gifts from relatives 21% to IDPs reportedly not functioning entirely or at certain times in 42 assessed communities. Most commonly reported barriers to accessing livelihoods faced by IDPs in assessed Top 3 reported IDP coping mechanisms 21 21 communities in the month prior to data collection: Coping strategies reported 78% for lack of food: for lack of food 1) Foregoing other goods (46%) * No coping strategies Barriers to livelihoods # % 21 22% 2) Selling non-productive assets (40%) reported 1. Lack of job opportunities to match IDPs' skills 184 72% 78+22A 3) Borrowing/buying food on credit (38%) 98% of assessed 2. General lack of employment opportunities 176 69% Reported food assistance for IDPs in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: communities reported 3. Lack of access to resources needed for jobs 62 24% that IDPs faced ota popu ation of barriers to accessing a communit in ic no 4. Security situation in the community 32 13% livelihoods. food assistance as reported 5. Discrimination in job provision 31 12% Most commonly reported sources of food for IDPs in assessed communities:21 93+56+35+22+11 marin Purchasing from stores/markets 93% Assistance from NGOs 56% ar os Aleppo Assistance from local councils 35% Borrowing 22% anudi e amama afr ebbin Relying entirely on personal food stocks 11% Most commonly reported barriers to accessing food markets faced by IDPs in assessed Idleb communities in the month prior to data collection:21 ara Barriers to markets # * % 1. Safety/security constraints at markets 101 40% Lattakia 51% of assessed 2. Markets do not function at times of conflict 67 26% communities reported that 3. Safety/security constraints travelling to markets 58 23% IDPs faced challenges in accessing food 4. Lack of access for persons with restricted mobility 22 9% markets. Hama 5. Distance to markets too far 21 8% popu ation b sub district of assessed communities in ic no food assistance as reported The top five reported food needs of IDPs (by proportion of communities reporting them) were ess t an meat (31%), flour (29%), sugar (22%), cooking oil (18%) and chicken (18%). *Number and percentage of communities reporting. 5 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas
HEALTH Most common health facilities available to IDPs in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:21 Conflict and displacement have put considerable strain on health facilities in north-west Syria. 47+38+31+20+14 While almost a quarter of assessed communities were reported to lack basic health facilities Private clinics 47% 24% of communities at the time of data collection, in the vast majority of locations where health facilities and services Primary care facilities 38% reported that no were available and functioning, IDPs faced several barriers to accessing these. More than two Mobile clinics/field hospitals 31% permanent health thirds of assessed communities reported that health facilities lacked medicines and medical Hospitals 20% facilities were available to IDPs in the community. items, and that treatment for chronic diseases was a current health need for IDP populations. Informal emergency care points 14%
Communities reporting Proportion of assessed communities reporting main healthcare access barriers faced by barriers to healthcare 96% Number of assessed communities IDPs in the month prior to data collection: 176 reporting a lack of available Communities reporting no 4% medicines and medical items. Lack of medicine/ Lack of facilities Lack of medical Lack of female 96+4A barriers to healthcare medical items personnel doctors 69% 67% 35% 33% Reported lack of health facilities for IDPs in assessed communities: Services not Unsafe to travel to Healthcare available Healthcare available ota popu ation of e a easily accessible medical facilities but unaffordable but of low quality a communit in ic no 16% 9% 9% 7% ea t faci ities ere reported e re e ri Most common health services accessible to IDPs in the month prior to data collection:21