Monthly Digest of the UN in Syria - February 2024
UNDP'S TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING EMPOWERS WOMEN IN ALEPPO, PROMOTING EQUITABLE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
“This vocational training opportunity is one of the most important breaks I have had to prove that this and similar professions are not monopolized by men,” said Badriya, a 30-year-old woman from Aleppo who chose carpentry as her profession.
Badriya received support from the "Promoting Equitable Access to Education and Employment Opportunities in Aleppo" project through a UNDP-UNHCR partnership on the project. The initiative empowers people impacted by crises by offering education, vocational training and livelihoods support. It specifically focuses on skills development, creating jobs and producing/repairing desks for schools undergoing rehabilitation. This multifaceted approach aims to reduce youth unemployment and contribute to the broader societal recovery efforts following the devastating 2023 earthquakes.
ONE YEAR ON, UNICEF CONTINUES TO SUPPORT EARTHQUAKE-AFFECTED CHILDREN IN SYRIA
In February 2023, the devastating earthquakes that struck Syria and Türkiye left a trail of destruction. Children lost family members and friends, homes, playgrounds and schools. Across the earthquake-affected areas, an estimated 8.8 million people, including 3.3 million children, were affected. The infrastructure already weakened by the conflict was severely damaged. Amid an already dire economic situation, many families lost their main breadwinner and struggled even harder to cope.
Despite the immense challenges, UNICEF actively responded throughout 2023, reaching 15.8 million people, including 10 million children, with critical humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR’S CASH ASSISTANCE HELPS EARTHQUAKE-AFFETCED FAMILIES TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES
A year after the earthquakes ravaged Türkiye and Syria, impacting nearly 8.8 million Syrians, Mushen Qaijou and his family still grapple with the trauma. Sudden movements and noises trigger fear in his two children, stressing the long-lasting emotional impact.
Fortunately, Mushen's family emerged physically unharmed, though their home suffered partial damage. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stepped in immediately, offering crucial support to families like theirs. By providing cash assistance, Mushen and others gained the means to repair their homes and begin the long journey toward recovery.
https://www.facebook.com/UNHCRinSYRIA/videos/268964172738838
UNMAS RISK EDUCATION TEAM IS RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE RISKS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS ALEPPO
Raising awareness about the dangers of explosive hazards is crucial for saving lives in vulnerable communities in Syria. Throughout February, UNMAS' risk education team reached over 2,000 people in Aleppo. Using direct sessions, age and gender-specific materials, and clear messaging, they equipped residents with vital knowledge to minimize risks.
This effort is making a real difference. Mr. Samer, a returnee to Aleppo, shared, "While aware of the danger, I lacked the knowledge to avoid it. Now, my family and I are equipped, and I'll inform my relatives and neighbours.”
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=794442602725276&id=100064…
FAO EMPOWERS RURAL COMMUNITIES WITH PILOT PROJECTS FOCUSED ON GENDER ISSUES
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched two pilot projects in Homs and Rural Damascus, reaching over 3,000 individuals across 31 villages. These projects aim to prevent violence against women and girls and pave the way for lasting social and economic empowerment. Through them, FAO works towards greater gender equality in rights, responsibilities and agency for women and girls.
https://www.fao.org/syria/news/detail-events/en/c/1677736/
ILO BOLSTERS EMPLOYMENT-INTENSIVE RECOVERY IN SYRIA'S EARTHQUAKE-HIT REGIONS THROUGH SUPPORT FROM JAPAN
The Government of Japan and the International Labour Organization (ILO) joined forces to restore jobs and infrastructure in Syria's earthquake-hit regions, focusing on debris removal, recycling and essential repairs. This effort prioritizes both physical structures and the revival of livelihoods within affected communities.
https://www.ilo.org/beirut/media-centre/fs/WCMS_909863/lang--en/index.h…
UNFPA LAUNCHES FOUR NEW WOMEN AND GIRLS’ SAFE SPACES IN AL-HOL CAMP
Responding to critical needs in Al-Hol camp, UNFPA, in collaboration with the Al-Yamamah foundation, launched four new safe spaces dedicated to women and girls. The camp, located in northeastern Syria, houses over 40,000 refugees and internally displaced persons, primarily women and children.
"These safe spaces provide access to essential services, including psychosocial support, life skills training, and vocational training, allowing them to connect and learn from each other," said Muriel Mafico, UNFPA Representative in Syria, during the official opening.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02mxU2ZwM9QhzZcMiEJDbo…
ONE YEAR ON: WHO’S SUSTAINED SUPPORT FOR SYRIA’S EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY EFFORTS
In the immediate aftermath of the 6 February tragedy, the World Health Organization (WHO) took swift action, mobilizing support to deliver life-saving trauma care to hundreds of injured individuals. Now, WHO’s focus has shifted to long-term recovery efforts. This involves ensuring the continued availability of essential health services.
This vital work encompasses preventing, detecting and swiftly responding to potential outbreaks of infectious diseases. Additionally, WHO aims to mitigate health consequences, like mental health risks, and restore healthcare infrastructure in earthquake-stricken zones.
https://www.emro.who.int/syria/news/one-year-on-whos-sustained-support-…
ONE YEAR SINCE THE EARTHQUAKE AND 13 YEARS INTO THE SYRIAN CRISIS, OCHA REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF SYRIA
Um Abdo, Mustafa, Rahaf and Rehab are just a few of the survivors who carry the stories of 6 February tragic events, etched in their memories. The earthquake left behind a path of devastation and immense human suffering. Thousands lost their lives, homes were destroyed and communities were torn apart. Yet, amidst the hardship, countless individuals like Um Abdo, Mustafa, Rahaf and Rehab have found strength and hope.
The Syrian Humanitarian Fund and the humanitarian partners have been instrumental in supporting them and many others as they rebuild their lives. Each of their stories embodies the spirit of faith, hope and resilience, in the face of immense adversity.
https://unocha.exposure.co/12-months-after-the-earthquake-and-13-years-…
