Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas North-west , August 2018

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS Coverage:

As of early September 2018, Idleb governorate and the surrounding areas of western and north- 0 5 10 20 30 western are one of the last remaining opposition-held territories in Syria.1,2 Since the outbreak ¯ Kilometers of the conflict in 2011, the predominantly rural region has seen its population swell following continuous Dana Daret Azza 3 Harim influxes of internally displaced persons (IDPs)from across the country. More recently, from late 2017, the Qourqeena region has witnessed further large-scale IDP arrivals, following escalations of conflict and displacements from formerly opposition-held areas in south-eastern Idleb, Rural , , Hama, Dar’a and Atareb governorates.4 With widespread concern over an imminent military offensive in the region – Maaret potentially displacing up to 800,000 people, according to OCHA5 – REACH has conducted a multi-sectoral Tamsrin Teftnaz ALEPPO needs assessment covering 362 out of approximately 700 opposition-held communities in the region Darkosh Bennsh Zarbah through community-level Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). This assessment aims to address critical Janudiyeh information gaps and to serve as a baseline informing humanitarian actors of the needs and conditions of Idleb populations in the region. This situation overview provides an outline of findings from this assessment. Jisr-Ash-Shugur Saraqab * Badama MAIN FINDINGS Mhambal IDLEB Abul Thohur • Demographics: An estimated 2,450,000 residents (430,500 households) and 1,280,000 IDPs Ehsem (224,500 households) were reported to be living in the 362 assessed communities of Idleb, Aleppo Ziyara Ma'arrat and Hama governorates as of 31 July 2018.6 On average, IDPs represented approximately one third An Nu'man (34%) of the total population in assessed communities.7 LATTAKIA Kafr Nobol • Protection: Key Informants (KIs) reported safety and security as the first priority need of households Heish in 167 (46%) assessed communities. In addition to growing concerns of an intensification of conflict in Tamanaah the region, populations reportedly faced various protection risks in the month prior to data collection, Madiq Castle Khan Shaykun Aleppo including threats from aerial bombardments, forced and early marriage, movement restrictions Idleb and kidnapping. HAMA • Shelter: In over half (56%) of assessed communities, shelter was reportedly among households’ top three priority needs. An insufficient number of shelters for IDP populations was reported in 204 (56%) Assessed community (362 total) Assessed sub-district (30 total) Damascus assessed communities, while approximately 75-80% of the total population in assessed communities Governorate boundary Sub-district not assessed was reportedly living in overcrowded shelters. • Food security and livelihoods: In 228 (63%) assessed communities, some households were reported to have used negative coping strategies to address food needs in the month prior to data collection. In METHODOLOGY more than half of all assessed communities, low wages and a lack of job opportunities were reported Building on a previous assessment, findings presented in this situation overview are based on data as the most common barriers to accessing livelihoods. collected by REACH as part of a needs assessment focused on resident and IDP populations living in • Health: Households in 92% of assessed communities were reported to have faced barriers to accessing communities of Idleb governorate and surrounding opposition-held areas. Data was collected in 362 healthcare in the month prior to data collection. In 247 (68%) assessed communities, KIs reported a (out of approximately 700) communities across 30 (out of 37) sub-districts between 12 and 20 August lack of available health facilities, while in 209 (58%) assessed communities, a lack of medicines and 2018. Data was collected at the community level, with enumerators interviewing between 2 and 7 KIs medical items was reported. per community and with KIs selected based on their knowledge of resident and IDP populations in the • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): KIs in 27% of assessed communities reported that half or community and sector-specific expertise. Communities were assessed based on available population more than half of all households had insufficient water to meet their needs in the month prior to data data, focusing on those reported to have large total populations and those that received a high number collection. of IDP arrivals in the two months prior to the start of data collection. Collected primary data was further triangulated through available secondary sources. Information should be considered as reflective of the • Education: In 234 (65%) assessed communities, some school-aged children were reported to be situation at the time of data collection, given the dynamic situation in the region. In addition, findings are working rather than in education. not statistically representative and should only be considered as indicative of the situation in the wider • Non-Food Items (NFIs): KIs in 169 (46%) assessed communities reported that households had, on Idleb governorate and surrounding areas region, particularly as they are aggregated across locations average, less than 5 hours of electricity per day in the month prior to data collection. between which the sectoral situation may vary. The full needs assessment data set can be found here.

*Readers can find hyperlinks to each section by clicking on sectoral headings. 1 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

KEY EVENTS Areas of influence and recent major displacements: For a period of six months following September 2017, Idleb governorate and the surrounding areas ⛳⚤ 8 were declared as one of four internationally negotiated "de-escalation zones" in Syria. Despite aret Azza this, between December 2017 and February 2018 the region experienced a sharp intensification M4 of conflict as Government of Syria (GoS)-allied forces launched a major offensive aimed to Harim ⛳⚤ ana recapture parts of Abul Thohur sub-district from armed opposition groups (AOGs). This resulted TURKE AE in substantial numbers of displacements away from frontlines and areas experiencing heavy aerial ⛳⚤ Salqin ourqeena 9 Atareb bombardments in south-eastern Idleb and western Aleppo governorates. From March, dynamics Kafr Takharim in the region then shifted to be characterised by pervasive inter-AOG violence, as rival factions Armanaz sought to assert their authority over the remaining towns and villages. An intensification ofmovement Zarbah restrictions, clampdowns on civilian life, increased incidence of kidnappings, bombings and 10 arkosh Teftnaz Hadher assassinations, and intermittent clashes contributed to a general decline in security in the region, Banan as well as deteriorating civilian living conditions and access of humanitarian actors in many areas. ⛳⚤ Bennsh M5 IEB Sarmin anudiyeh 'Astana talks' lead to GoS forces advance into Idleb Inter-AOG tensions contribute Saraqab ⛳⚤ ⛳⚤ M4 declaration of "de-escalation and capture Abul Thohur airbase. to heightened instability and isr-Ash-Shugur 8 9 10 ⛳⚤ zones" across Syria. 100,000 people displaced. insecurity in north-west Syria. Badama Mhambal Ariha M4 Abul Thohur Ehsem Ziyara May - September 2017 December 2017 - February 2018 March - August 2018 Maarrat An Numan Kafr Nobol Violent conflict in Eastern Heightened clashes and shifts in GoS forces drop leaflets over Sanjar Ghouta ends in large cross- territorial control result in further cross- Idleb and surrounding areas Heish line displacements towards line displacements from Homs, Hama, and announce the region as north-west Syria.11 Dar'a and Quneitra governorates.12,13 next military target.14 M5 Tamanaah Khan Shaykun Madiq Castle March - April 2018 April - August 2018 August 2018 Kafr Zeita As-Suqaylabiyah

In parallel, the spring and summer of 2018 witnessed major territorial shifts taking place elsewhere in Hamra the country. Between March and August, GoS-allied forces recaptured the remaining three “de- ALASA 11 AL escalation zones” of Eastern Ghouta in Rural Damascus governorate, Ar-Rastan and Area of influence Border crossing AAA 12 in northern Homs and southern Hama governorates, and large parts of Dar'a and Quneitra Goernment of Syria ⛳⚤ lose LB governorates in south-west Syria.13 Each of these was preceded by a significant escalation of violence pposition Groups ⛳⚤ pen AMA and culminated in the relocation of tens of thousands of people to opposition-held parts of north-west lie Branch/uphrates ⛳⚤ Sporaically pen Syria. In total, an estimated further 100,000-130,000 people arrived to Idleb and surrounding areas or estricte MS and the adjacent region of northern Aleppo from these locations over the course of six months.4 Many Shiel of those displaced arrived to already over-burdened camps, communities and informal settlements in emocratic eeration of isplacement period Northern Syria Syrian No eb AMASS AL the region, further increasing the strain on resources, markets and public services. Such pressures AMASS and their impacts on civilian lives are likely to worsen in the event of a renewed offensive in emocratic orces S MarchApril NTA Maor isplacements into Sourced from Live UA Map May A'A oppositionhel leb eion Idleb governorate and surrounding areas, leading to a deterioration in already dire humanitarian ASSWA Noember 2017 Auust 2018 conditions. 20 August 2018 ulyAu

2 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

PRIORITY NEEDS Most commonly reported healthcare needs of populations in assessed Top three reported priority needs, by number of assessed communities:15 communities:* Priority healthcare needs # % Priority healthcare needs # % Priority need 1st 2nd 3rd Reflecting the high levels of instability and 1. First aid/emergency care 140 39% 6. Vaccinations 36 10% 2. Treatment for chronic diseases 93 26% 7. Assistive devices 35 10% Education 13 28 48 mounting concerns around an escalation of conflict in the region, safety and security 3. Skilled care during childbirth 84 23% 8. Antibiotics 16 4% Food 26 70 43 were reported as the first priority need 4. Surgery 69 19% 9. Psychiatric care 14 4% in 167 (46%) assessed communities. Healthcare 17 72 98 5. Injury rehabilitation 37 10% 10. Diarrhea treatment 1 >1% NFI 8 20 23 In more than half of all assessed Safety and security 167 10 9 communities, shelter, healthcare, and safety and security were reported Most commonly reported WASH needs of populations in assessed communities:* Shelter 97 99 5 by KIs to be among populations' top Priority WASH needs # % Priority WASH needs # % WASH 24 40 58 three priority needs. Meanwhile, food and WASH were also reported among the 1. Drinking water 112 31% 5. Cleaning liquid 13 4% Winterisation or equivalent7 22 65 top priority needs in more than a third of 2. Disposable diapers 76 21% 6. Detergent (dishes) 10 3% Other 3 1 13 assessed communities. 3. Washing powder (clothes) 52 14% 7. Sanitary pads 9 2% 4. Functioning latrines 14 4% 8. Soap 8 2%

Most commonly reported shelter needs of populations in assessed communities:* Most commonly reported education needs of populations in assessed communities:*

Priority shelter needs # % Priority shelter needs # % Priority education needs # % Priority education needs # % 1. Doors/door frames 97 27% 6. Concrete 49 14% 1. School equipment 48 13% 6. Additional classrooms 50 14% 2. Plaster/material for wall repairs 86 24% 7. Basic electrical items 44 12% 2. Qualified teachers 42 12% 7. Safety/security for children and teachers 19 5% 3. New/additional tents 78 22% 8. Roofing materials 43 12% 3. School stationary 36 10% 8. Teaching supply kits 17 5% 4. Windows/window frames 61 17% 9. Tarpaulins/plastic sheeting 33 9% 4. Teaching/learning materials 26 7% 9. Recognition/certification of curriculum 12 3% 5. Bricks or other stone blocks 53 15% 10. Basic tools 19 5% 5. Teacher training 24 7% 10. School uniforms 10 3%

Most commonly reported food needs of populations in assessed communities:* Most commonly reported NFI needs of populations in assessed communities:*

Priority food needs # % Priority food needs # % Priority NFI needs # % Priority NFI needs # % 1. Bread 91 25% 6. Sugar 42 12% 1. Solar panels 41 11% 6. Mattresses/sleeping mats 9 2% 2. Meat 54 15% 7. Flour 41 11% 2. Batteries 27 7% 7. Sources of light/solar lamps 6 2% 3. Rice 51 14% 8. Chicken 16 4% 3. Clothing 22 6% 8. Cooking utensils 5 1% 4. Cooking oil 51 14% 9. Bulgur 13 4% 4. Cooking fuel 16 4% 9. Bedding items/sheets/pillows 4 1% 5. Fresh vegetables 42 12% 10. Lentils 7 2% 5. Water containers 14 4% 10. Shoes 4 1%

* By number of assessed communities reporting and proportion of total assessed communities. 3 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

DEMOGRAPHICS Sub-districts with largest total populations reported in assessed communities (no. of households):6 As a result of mass inward displacement to the region over the course of the last two years, Idleb 100+71+68+64+41 Dana sub-district, along Idleb governorate and surrounding areas were found to have one of the highest population densities in Dana 487,900 governorate's north-eastern Syria. In total, KIs reported that an estimated 2,450,000 residents (430,500 households) and Atareb 344,800 border with Turkey, had the highest total population 1,280,000 IDPs (224,500 households) were living in the 362 assessed communities as of Idleb 332,700 31 July 2018.6 Populations in assessed communities therefore represent a majority of the total reported in assessed Ma’arrat An Nu’man 311,200 communities. A total of 16 population believed to be in the approximately 700 opposition-held communities of the wider communities were assessed region.2,3 Salqin 201,700 in the sub-district. Resident (pre-conflict) households 66% Internally displaced households 34% Sub-districts with largest IDP populations reported in assessed communities (no. of households):6,7

66+34A 100+40+29+25+20 Estimated number of residents Estimated number of IDPs in Almost three quarters of 2,450,000 .6 1,280,000 6 Dana 344,700 the reported total population in assessed communities assessed communities. in Dana sub-district were Atareb 138,300 internally displaced Total populations reported in assessed communities as of 31 July 2018: Salqin 98,500 persons. Atmeh camp alone accounted for 21% of otal population tma Idleb 86,000 a IDPs (73,400) reported in the and resident Ma’arrat An Nu’man 67,400 sub-district. ana Big ir amus Bab l aa AE Gender distribution of populations in assessed communities as of 31 July 2018:16

afr aarim afr aa Gender distributions among alin IDP and resident populations 57% 43% were reportedly very similar. amiliya Residents asra dleb In total, approximately IDPs 790,000 more women erbet lo 42% and girls were reported in anniye 58% assessed communities than assaniye men and boys. ria Age distribution of populations in assessed communities as of 31 July 2018:17

aarrat 10+37+31+22 n uman 11% 60+ years 10% 39% 18-59 years 37% 31% 6-17 years 31% ATTAKIA an ayun 19% 0-5 years 22% 11+39+31+20 Residents IDPs More than half (51%) of the total population in assessed communities was reported to be roportion of s in total population younger than 18 years of age. On average, IDP populations were reportedly slightly younger, with 47% of IDPs being aged 18 and above, compared to residents (50%).

4 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

SHELTER Most commonly reported shelter types of residents in assessed communities:18 Host to more than a million IDPs, and having sustained immense damage to housing as a Solid/finished house 54% result of the seven year conflict, populations in assessed communities of Idleb governorate and Solid/finished apartment 34% surrounding areas were reported to have extensive shelter needs at the time of data collection. Unfinished/damaged building 4% In 201 out of 362 communities, KIs reported shelter as a top priority need. Availability of adequate housing has been put under considerable strain by the region’s high IDP population Collective centre 1% density, with insufficient shelter numbers reported as the most common shelter adequacy Other/unknown 7% issue for both IDP and resident populations, and overcrowding reported to be widespread. KIs in only 12% of assessed communities reported no shelter adequacy issues for either IDP or resident Approximately 21,600 resident households were estimated54 to live in shelter+34417A types that were populations. not solid/finished houses or apartments at the time of data collection - including unfinished/ damaged buildings, collective centres, non-residential/public buildings and open areas.18 Proportion of assessed communities Rough proportion of total 56% in which shelter was reported to be a 75-80% population reportedly living in Most commonly reported shelter types of IDPs in assessed communities:18 priority need. overcrowded shelters.18 Solid/finished house 33% Reported shelter insufficiency in assessed communities as of date of data collection: Solid/finished apartment 29% otal population in a community it tma Managed camp 14% insufficient selters reported Unfinished/damaged building 4% ana Other/unknown 20% AE alin afr aa 33+2914420A Solid/finished houses and apartments were also the most commonly reported shelter types of afr aarim IDPs. However, a higher proportion of displaced populations in assessed communities were reportedly living in vulnerable shelter categories, namely unfinished/damaged buildings (4%), individual tents (4%), informal settlements (3%) and open areas (>1%).18 dleb Proportion of assessed communities in which KIs reported most common shelter issues:19 33+

56 33% Insufficient number of shelters

+23+ 56%

39 23% Shelters are too small

+19+ 39%

33 19% Leaking during rain

+25+ 33%

28 25% Many are heavily damaged/unusable

ATTAKIA +14+ 28%

27 14% Lack of insulation from cold 27% +28+

12 28% None reported otal population of assessed communities it insufficient selters reported by subdistrict 12% ess tan Residents IDPs

5 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

FOOD SECURITY & LIVELIHOODS Most commonly reported barriers to accessing livelihoods faced by households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:19 Populations in assessed communities of Idleb governorate and surrounding areas were reported to 62+ have faced multiple challenges in accessing food markets, attaining sufficient livelihoods, 82 62% and meeting their basic food needs in the month prior to data collection. In 104 (29%) assessed Low wages

+57+ 82% communities, KIs reported humanitarian assistance as one of the main sources of livelihoods for 65 57% IDPs. In parallel, the use of negative coping strategies for lack of food was reportedly widespread, General lack of job opportunities

+53+ 65% with KIs in almost two thirds (63%) of assessed communities reporting that households were using

50 53% strategies such as purchasing food on credit, reducing meal sizes, selling productive assets Lack of job opportunities to match skills

and skipping meals, in order to cope with a lack of food in the month prior to data collection. +28+ 50%

7 28% Number of assessed communities Lack of access to resources

Proportion of assessed communities in which negative coping strategies +15+ 7% 38% in which food was reported to be a 228 for lack of food were reported in the Security situation in the community 13 15% priority need. month prior to data collection. 13% +7+

1 7% 22 None reported Reported food access in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: 1% ommunity it bot reported maret barriers and no reported food a Residents IDPs ommunity it reported maret barriers eir assan arasan arim Most commonly reported barriers to accessing food markets faced by households in ommunity it no food assistance AE 19 Bab l ana assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: otal population and resident aa 27+17+12+9+9 armada rmana Markets closed at times of conflict 27% In more than half (52%) Safety/security risks at markets 17% of assessed communities, households reportedly faced aros eftna Distance to markets 12% dleb barriers to accessing food Lack of transportation 9% markets in the month prior to erbet lo Benns Movement restrictions to markets 9% data collection. armin anudiye Most commonly reported coping strategies for lack of food used by households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:* Coping strategies for lack of food # % Coping strategies for lack of food # % afruma elamnas 1. Borrowing/purchasing on credit 126 35% 5. Selling productive assets 56 15% arna 2. Foregoing other goods 122 34% 6. Skipping meals 52 14% ATTAKIA 3. Selling non-productive assets 106 29% 7. Spending days without eating 7 2% an ayun 4. Reducing meal sizes 100 28% 8. Consuming bad food types 3 1%

KIs in almost a quarter (24%) of assessed communities estimated that half or more than half roportion of total assessed population tat are in communities reporting any coping strategy to deal it lac of food of all households in the community were using negative coping strategies for lack of food ess tan in the month prior to data collection.

* By number of assessed communities reporting and proportion of total assessed communities. 6 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

HEALTH Most common health facilities available to households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:19

34+31+24+13+12 Despite widespread condemnation by humanitarian actors, the first half of 2018 marked a KIs in 118 (33%) reported increase in the number of attacks on health facilities and healthcare personnel Primary care facilities 34% 20 communities reported across Syria, including in the north-west of the country. The impact of such actions, seven Private clinics 31% that no permanent years of conflict, and widespread neglect of public health services is manifest: households in Mobile clinics/field hospitals 24% health facilities 92% of assessed communities in Idleb governorate and surrounding areas reportedly faced Hospitals 13% were available in the barriers to accessing healthcare in the month prior to data collection. Most commonly, such community in the month barriers include a lack of health facilities, reported in 247 assessed communities, a lack of Informal emergency care points 12% prior to data collection. available medicines and medical items, reported in 209 assessed communities, and a lack of female doctors, reported in 151 assessed communities. Most common health services accessible to households in assessed communities in the Proportion of assessed communities Number of assessed communities month prior to data collection:19 52% in which healthcare was reported to 247 in which a lack of available health be a priority need. facilities was reported. Routine (EPI) Outpatient Basic EmONC21 Inpatient/ vaccination consultations hospitalisation Reported access to healthcare in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: 87% 66% 65% 54% otal population of community t no eir amaan Comprehensive Surgical services Hygiene promotion Mental health/ reported ealt facilities in community EmONC21 psychosocial support 53% Big ir amus as lisn aret a AE 43% 40% 22% arim oureena alin Proportion of assessed communities in which households reportedly faced barriers to tareb accessing healthcare in the month prior to data collection:

ilis aaret amsrin ommunity it reported aliye In 332 communities, KIs reported ealt facilities Barriers to healthcare 92% aros that households faced barriers to IEB arba afar None reported 8% accessing healthcare in the month anudiye armin 92+8A prior to data collection. isrsugur araab Most commonly reported barriers to accessing healthcare faced by households in Badama ambal ria 19 bul our assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: 68+58+42+24+15+8+7+4+2 sem aarrat Lack of health facilities 68% iyara n uman Lack of medicine/medical items 58% oer mia estern eir Lack of female doctors 42% Lack of medical personnel 24% ATTAKIA pper eie eis oa Distance to health facilities 15% an ayun amanaa Poor quality of health services 8% Unqualified healthcare providers 7% roportion of total assessed population tat are in communities reporting any barrier to accessing ealt serices Unsafe to travel to health facilities 4% ess tan Healthcare unaffordable 2%

7 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) Average number of days per week during Reported sufficiency of water supply for which a main water network was accessible households (HHs) in assessed communities The WASH conditions of populations in Idleb governorate and surrounding areas were reported to households in assessed communities in in the month prior to data collection:22 to be sub-standard in many communities. In 150 (41%) assessed communities, households the month prior to data collection:22 reportedly had no access to a functioning main water network, leading to informal water 1

7 3 1% + 41% + All or almost all HHs trucking done by private citizens being the most commonly reported source of drinking water 41 17

5-6 + 3% 32% + More than half of HHs

(45%). Moreover, KIs in more than a quarter (27%) of assessed communities reported that half or 32 38

more than half of all households did not have enough water to meet their needs in the month + 17% 3-4 18% + Around half of HHs prior to data collection. As a result of general insufficiency of water and neglect of public WASH 18 41 1-2 + 38% 6% Less than half of HHs 6 infrastructure in the region, negative coping strategies, such as modifying hygiene practices, as 0 41% 2% well as public sanitation issues, such as garbage and sewage in streets, were widely reported. 2+ Few or no HHs Proportion of assessed Proportion of assessed communities in which households reportedly Most commonly reported reasons for inaccessibility of general purpose water in 34% communities in which WASH was 61% 19 reported to be a priority need. faced public sanitation issues in the assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: month prior to data collection. 41+27+10+10+2+2 Reported water sufficiency in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: Alternative sources too expensive 41% Main network dysfunctional due to damage23 27% otal population tma Main network dysfunctional due to disrepair 10% and resident Alternative sources unavailable 10% ana 23 AE Boreholes dysfunctional due to damage 2% alin Boreholes dysfunctional due to disrepair 2% afr aarim uu in la Most commonly reported coping strategies for lack of water used by households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:* l amia dleb afar Coping strategies for lack of water # % Coping strategies for lack of water # % alBaalia 1. Modifying hygiene practices 146 40% 4. Drinking less 112 31% 2. Relying on personal water stocks 140 39% 5. Drinking water used for other purposes 45 12% Bsanul 3. Foregoing other goods 130 36% 6. Borrowing/purchasing on credit 6 2% ria

in aru aar urin KIs in 282 (78%) assessed communities reported that at least some households used agurit aarrat negative strategies to cope with a lack of drinking water in the month prior to data collection. n uman Most commonly reported public sanitation issues faced by households in assessed bu abbe 19

ATTAKIA communities in the month prior to data collection: 53+27+19+6+4

an ayun Garbage in the streets 53% Rats/pests contaminating food and people 27% Sewage flowing onto the streets 19% eryone nearly eeryone as enoug ater for teir needs ess tan alf of te population as enoug ater for teir needs Flooding in the streets 6% ore tan alf of te population as enoug ater for teir needs nly a fe almost no one as enoug ater for teir needs bout alf of te population as enoug ater for teir needs Open defecation 4%

* By number of assessed communities reporting and proportion of total assessed communities. 8 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

EDUCATION Gender-disaggregated primary and secondary school attendance rate among resident With approximately one third (31%) of the region's total population of school age, the and IDP children in assessed communities:24 need for quality and widespread education services in Idleb and surrounding areas was high at the time of data collection. Despite the availability of formal schools in 93% of assessed IDP girls 6-11 IDP boys 6-11 Resident girls 6-11 Resident boys 6-11 communities, many children, both of primary and secondary school age, were reportedly not School attendance # of communities reporting attending schools at the time of data collection. Barriers to accessing education were reported 0% 5 3 1 1 in more than three quarters (77%) of assessed communities. Notably, children from IDP households were reported to have lower school attendance rates than resident children - primarily 1-25% 67 43 23 7 as a result of many IDP households relying on children to work or stay at home to support 26-50% 94 111 69 50 families, and indicative of limited livelihood opportunities available to many IDPs. 51-75% 139 141 112 114 Proportion of assessed Number of assessed communities in 76-100% 55 62 153 186 25% communities in which education 234 which children being sent to work was was reported to be a priority need. reported as a barrier to education. IDP girls 12-17 IDP boys 12-17 Resident girls 12-17 Resident boys 12-17 Assessed communities in which children being sent to work was reported as a barrier to School attendance # of communities reporting education in the month prior to data collection: 0% 11 8 9 6 1-25% 150 112 77 37 ommunity ere cildren being sent to or as reported as a barrier to education tma 26-50% 123 146 112 105 ommunity ere cildren being sent to or 51-75% 60 75 115 137 ana as not reported as a barrier to education arim a AE 76-100% 16 19 45 73 otal population and resident armada tareb alin afr aarim Most commonly reported barriers to accessing education faced by households in 19 rmana assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: aarrat amasrin 60+40+36+6+5 aros Families need boys to work/support at home 60% dleb Families need girls to work/support at home 40% Parents cannot afford to send children to school 36%

ria Travel to schools unsafe due to security situation 6% Distance to schools too far 5%

Most commonly reported issues with education facilities/services in assessed aarrat n uman communities in the month prior to data collection:19 53+35+33+31+28+26+14 afr obol Insufficient teaching/learning supplies 53% Unsuitable learning environment 35% ATTAKIA an ayun Low quality of education 33% adi astle Lack of recognised certification 31% Insufficient number of qualified teachers 28% stimated population of ages in subdistrict Damaged facilities 26% ess tan o information Overcrowding 14%

9 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

NON-FOOD ITEMS (NFIs) Average number of hours of access to electricity per day for households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:22 Likely as a result of significant damage and disrepair to official electrical networks in the region,25 8 15

More than 8 hours + households in the majority (88%) of assessed communities of Idleb governorate and 8% 30 surrounding areas reportedly used diesel-fueled generators and solar panels as their 7-8 hours + 15% 38 main sources of electricity in the month prior to data collection. Nonetheless, KIs in 81% of 5-6 hours + 30%

assessed communities reported that populations faced barriers to accessing electricity, most 4 2-4 hours + 38% commonly due to the unavailability or unaffordability of such sources. In turn, the electricity needs 4 <2 hours + 4% among households were reportedly widespread, with KIs in 169 (46%) assessed communities reporting that households had, on average, less than 5 hours of electricity per day in the 0 hours 4% month prior to data collection. Most common sources of electricity for households in assessed communities in the Number of assessed communities in month prior to data collection:22 Proportion of assessed which the main electrical network was 14% communities in which NFIs were 166 KIs in 219 communities reportedly dysfunctional due to damage Generator 60% reported to be a priority need. or disrepair.23 reported that generators Solar panels 28% were the most common Reported access to electricity in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: Main network grid 9% source of household electricity in the month tma Electricity sources unavailable 3% otal population prior to data collection. and resident ana 60+2893A Most commonly reported barriers to accessing electricity faced by households in afr u AE assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:19 Big ir amus 47+37+34+19+14+12 alin afr aarim Electricity too expensive 47% bu ala etyan Fuel too expensive 37% 23 afr ind Main network dysfunctional due to damage 34% dleb Generators unavailable 19%

m is Main network dysfunctional due to disrepair 14% Insufficient fuel for generators 12% nise obas

ria an lsobol Reported availability and affordability of main sources of fuel for cooking for aen households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection: bdita aar urin Available but only some aarrat n uman Available and affordable Unavailable could afford it a Source of fuel for cooking # of communities reporting ATTAKIA m alal Gas 78 171 - Kerosene 42 27 1 an ayun Wood charcoal 20 12 2 Electricity 7 - - erage number of ours it access to electricity in te community oer te last mont ore tan ours rom to ours rom to ours rom to ours ess tan ours one Diesel 1 - -

10 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

PROTECTION Most commonly reported safety and security issues affecting households in assessed communities in the month prior to data collection:19 As of mid-August 2018, safety and security was the most commonly reported first priority 17+11+8+7+7+6+6 need for households in assessed communities. The highest proportions of communities in Threat from air strikes 17% which KIs reported safety and security to be a priority need were in the region's border areas Forced and early marriage 11% of south-western Idleb, north-western Hama and western Aleppo governorates, such as Kafr Movement restrictions 8% Nobol, Zarbah and Madiq Castle sub-districts. In addition to growing concerns of a sharp Kidnapping 7% escalation of conflict in the region, both resident and IDP populations were reported to have faced 27 a range of different protection risks in the month prior to data collection, including threats from air Threat from IEDs/SVBIEDs/BBBIEDs 7% strikes, forced and early marriage, movement restrictions, and kidnapping. Domestic violence 6% Threat from mines 6% Proportion of assessed Number of assessed communities in communities in which safety and 243 which child protection issues were Most commonly reported child protection issues in assessed communities in the month 51% security were reported to be a reported in the month prior to data prior to data collection:19 priority need. collection. 54+23+22+17+10 Children working 54% Security incidents in assessed sub-districts, 12 July - 20 August 2018:26 Psychological trauma 23% Child marriage 22% ecurity incidents uly ug Risks from general security situation 17% ess tan Violence against children 10% 22 2 AE 4 Top three challenges reportedly faced by newly arrived IDPs upon arrival to assessed communities in the month prior to data collection, by number of assessed communities: Number of incidents per sub-district 0 26 Challenges faced upon arrival 1st 2nd 3rd 0 Barriers to freedom of movement 2 3 8 25 IEB 24 2 Discrimination by non-displaced population 3 3 5 2 Involuntary recruitment to armed groups 0 1 0 4 4 0 Lack of access to humanitarian assistance 30 44 95 3 Lack of access to shelter 170 27 12 Badama 4 44 28 Lack of basic household items, i.e. NFIs 9 60 93 Lack of documentation 31 28 17 Ziyara 0 Lack of livelihood opportunities 89 160 65 ATTAKIA Other/unknown 4 6 15 48 45 42 Security screening checks 0 2 8 Madiq Castle Tamanaah Khan Shaykun In addition to facing various challenges in assessed communities - most commonly, a lack of shelter and livelihood opportunities - many recent IDP arrivals (arriving over the two months prior otal opulation in ssessed ommunities by ubistrict to data collection) were also reported to have faced significant risks while travelling to their ess tan destination communities, including air strikes, shelling and verbal and physical harassment.

11 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

ENDNOTES

1 'Idleb governorate and surrounding areas' refers to opposition-held areas at the time of data and sites, provided by the IDP Sites Integrated Monitoring Matrix (ISIMM), were added to collection, covering the majority of communities in Idleb governorate, as well as communities the IDP population figures reported by KIs. Estimated household figures in this report are in Atareb, Daret Azza, Haritan, Jebel Saman and Zarbah sub-districts in western Aleppo rounded to the nearest hundred, while individual figures are rounded to the nearest ten governorate, and Kafr Zeita, Madiq Castle, Suran and Ziyara sub-districts in north-western thousand. Population data was reported for 355 out of 362 assessed communities. Hama governorate. These sub-districts have been added to the larger ‘Idleb governorate The definition of IDPs used by enumerators for this assessment was‘Individuals or groups and surrounding areas’ region as populations in the region are typically served by the same of people who have been forced to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, cross-border humanitarian responses and affected by similar events. in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of 2 Syria Live UA Map generalised violence, violations of human rights, or natural or man-made disasters, and 3 REACH/CCCM, IDP Situation Monitoring Initiative (ISMI) North-west Syria Population who have not crossed an international border'. The definition of resident (pre-conflict) Overview, March 2018 population was ‘Individuals or groups of people who currently reside in their communities of origin, or communities of permanent residence prior to the Syrian conflict. This includes 4 Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Turkey | populations that were never displaced as well as previously displaced populations that Syria: Recent Developments in North-western Syria, 30 January 2018; UNOCHA, Turkey have returned to their communities of origin'. | Syria: Situation in North-western Syria, Situation Report No.2, 10 April 2018; UNOCHA, Turkey | Syria: Situation in North-western Syria, Situation Report No.4, 8 May 2018; UNHCR, Discrepancies with other available population data may be the result of any of the following: Syria: Flash Update on Recent Events, 9 May 2018; UNHCR, Syria: Flash Update on Recent differences in assessment coverage dates; differences in definitions of population sub- Events, 24 May 2018; UNHCR, Syria: Flash Update on Recent Events, 9 August 2018; groups (IDPs and residents); differences in geographic scope of assessed locations (e.g. REACH/CCCM, ISMI Monthly Displacement Summary, January 2018; REACH/CCCM, ISMI included/excluded nearby camps and sites); differences in KI types interviewed; and Monthly Displacement Summary, March 2018; REACH/CCCM, ISMI Monthly Displacement differences in average household sizes used to calculate individual numbers, among others. Summary, April 2018; REACH/CCCM, ISMI Monthly Displacement Summary, May 2018 7 For more information on the conditions specifically of IDPs in north-west Syria, see: 5 IRIN News, ‘ briefing: “Humanitarian catastrophe” feared as Syria war reaches final REACH, Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas, May 2018; rebel stronghold’, 3 September 2018; France 24, ‘UN fears 800,000 could be displaced REACH, IDPs in Informal Sites, Northwest Syria, May-June 2018; CCCM Cluster IDP Sites in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib’, 29 August 2018; United Nations Secretary-General, Statement Integrated Monitoring Matrix (ISIMM) attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Syria, 29 August 2018; 8 UNOCHA, ‘ERC O’Brien’s Statement to the Security Council on Syria’, 30 May 2017; Forthcoming: REACH/CCCM, ISMI Idleb and Surrounding Areas: Population Movement Al Jazeera, ‘Syria’s “de-escalation zones’ explained’, 4 July 2017; Al Jazeera, ‘Final de- Intentions Overview, August-September 2018 escalation zones agreed on in Astana’, 15 September 2017 6 For population numbers, KIs were asked to provide the number of resident and IDP 9 UNHCR, Syria: Flash Update on Recent Events, 18 January 2018; UNOCHA, Turkey | households present in the community as of 31 July 2018, as well as individual figures if Syria: Recent Developments in North-western Syria, 30 January 2018; BBC, Syria war: known. A minimum of two KIs were interviewed in each assessed community, with a third Assault on rebel stronghold of Idlib ‘displaces 100,000', 10 January 2018; REACH/CCCM, KI being interviewed in communities with total populations of more than 15,000 households. ISMI Monthly Displacement Summary, January 2018 Triangulated household figures were then multiplied by a calculated average household 10 ACLED, 'Assassinations in North West Syria', 21 July 2018; IRIN News, 'Syrian war: size of 5.7, based on several rounds of population assessments conducted under the Understanding Idlib's rebel factions', 3 September 2018 REACH/CCCM IDP Situation Monitoring Initiative, to attain estimated individual figures for 11 UNOCHA, Turkey | Syria: Latest Developments in North-western Syria, 13 March 2018; all assessed communities. KIs were also asked whether the IDP figures reported included UNOCHA, Flash Update No.3: Syria Crisis - East Ghouta, 21 March 2018; REACH/CCCM, IDP populations in nearby camps and sites. If not, known IDP populations in nearby camps

12 Situation Overview: Idleb Governorate and Surrounding Areas

ENDNOTES

ISMI Rapid Assessment of Evacuations from Eastern Ghouta, 25-31 March 2018; REACH/ 22 By proportion of assessed communities reporting. KIs were allowed to select one option. CCCM, ISMI Rapid Assessment of Evacuations from Eastern Ghouta, 1-14 April 2018 23 'Facilities with damage' are those that KIs reported to have been mostly affected by 12 UNOCHA, Turkey | Syria: Situation in North-western Syria, Situation Report No.4, 8 May conflict-related violence, whereas 'facilities with disrepair' are those that KIs reported to 2018; UNHCR, Syria: Flash Update on Recent Events, 9 May 2018; UNHCR, Syria: Flash have been mostly affected by a general lack of maintenance, which may or may not be Update on Recent Events, 24 May 2018 directly conflict-related. 13 UNOCHA, Syrian Arab Republic: Dar'a, Qunaitra, Sweida Situation Report No. 5, 2 August 24 School attendance rates were reported in 360 out of 362 assessed communities. 2018; UNHCR, Syria: Flash Update on Recent Events, 9 August 2018 25 UNOCHA, Turkey | Syria: Latest Developments in North-western Syria, 13 March 2018 14 Al Jazeera, 'UN renews warning against government offensive in Syria's Idlib', 31 August 26 INSO, Syria Weekly Incident Lists, July - August 2018 2018; Reuters, ' urges people in Idlib to agree return of state rule', 9 August 2018 27 Improvised Explosive Device (IED)/Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device 15 KIs were asked to report the top three priority needs for populations residing in assessed (SVBIED)/Body-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (BBIED). communities, and then specific goods/services required in each of those priority sectors. All priority needs presented in this overview are by total number and proportion of assessed communities reporting them. 16 Gender distributions were reported for resident populations in 355 assessed communities numbering 430,458 (100%) resident households, and for IDP populations in 352 assessed communities numbering 224,289 IDP households (99.9%). 17 Age distributions were reported for resident populations in 319 assessed communities numbering 381,185 (89%) resident households, and for IDP populations in 309 assessed communities numbering 211,333 (94%) IDP households. 18 For shelter types, KIs were asked to report the three most common shelter types of resident and IDP populations, respectively, in assessed communities, and the estimated percentage About REACH range of these populations in each shelter type. Aggregated numbers and proportions of populations living in each shelter type and in overcrowded shelters were then calculated REACH is a joint initiative of two international non-governmental organisations - ACTED by multiplying the total reported resident/IDP populations in assessed communities by the and IMPACT Initiatives - and the UN Operational Satellite Applications Programme mean average of the percentage range in each shelter category. ‘Overcrowded shelters’ (UNOSAT). REACH aims to strengthen evidence-based decision making by aid actors were defined for this assessment as 'situations where families live in houses or dwellings built for smaller family sizes, or where multiple families share the same house or dwelling'. through efficient data collection, management and analysis before, during and after an 19 By proportion of assessed communities reporting. KIs were allowed to select multiple emergency. By doing so, REACH contributes to ensuring that communities affected options. by emergencies receive the support they need. All REACH activities are conducted in 20 WHO, ‘Attacks on health care on the rise throughout Syria in first half of 2018, says WHO’, support to, and within the framework of, inter-agency aid coordination mechanisms. For 19 August 2018 more information, please visit our website: www.reach-initiative.org. You can contact us 21 Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC). directly at: [email protected] and follow us on Twitter: @REACH_info.

13