Overview
This Regional Analysis of the Syria Conflict (RAS) is an update of the June RAS. The RAS seeks to bring together information from all sources in the region and provide a coherent analysis of the overall situation in the region as well as in each of the affected countries. While Part I focuses on the situation within Syria, Part II covers the impact of the crisis on the neighbouring countries. The Syria Needs Analysis Project welcomes all information that could complement this report. For additional information, comments or questions, please email SNAP@ACAPS.org.
Restrictions to entry: July has seen another host country pose restrictions on the arrival of Syrians, as Egypt has revised its once welcoming refugee policies in the wake of its own political upheaval. The number of entrants to Jordan remains low, though the Government insists it has maintained its open borders. Iraq has for months restricted its admissions due to growing security issues and lack of available camp space while new camps are being constructed. Meanwhile Turkey upholds a policy of allowing entrance only to those with valid documentation or once camp space is assured for those without documents. The border closures and restrictions mean that thousands of displaced Syrians are trapped on the Syrian side, unable to flee or access humanitarian aid.
Lebanon remains the only country with an open border policy. However, as it is still not opting for camp solutions for the expanding influx of refugees, living conditions for the displaced are becoming ever more difficult. As Lebanon also faces growing tensions with 2 bombing incidents in July, it is not unthinkable that it too may revise its refugee policies at some future point, especially given the fact that for many Syrians it is now the only place they can access.
Humanitarian needs: The situation continues to deteriorate for refugees already present in host countries. While those in camps are relatively well off in terms of shelter, those outside camps increasingly face difficulties finding and paying for adequate shelter. Protection concerns are becoming more apparent, with the volatile situation pushing more people to adopt negative coping mechanisms: child labour, begging, prostitution and domestic violence are but a few examples of the effects of the pressure on refugee families caused by the difficult living circumstances. Aid agencies and host country governments have made it clear that lack of funding has already affected their ability to provide basic essentials to the refugee communities, and services are set to further decline in the near future should funding gaps not be met.
Service provision in Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon was already under strain as authorities struggled to provide for their population before the crisis. Now they are increasingly overwhelmed by the influx. Healthcare, solid watse collection and education are stretched and public services receive insufficient funding to address the increase in demand. The situation is leading to rising tension between refugees and host communities, who increasingly sense the burden of the influx affecting their own access to services and employment.