Australian Government must do more for Syrian children as risk of radicalisation increases: World Vision
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The Australian Government must urgently provide more funds to support Syrian families, as the threat of radicalisation continues to haunt children living in the war-torn nation and neighbouring countries, World Vision Australia said today in the lead-up to the fourth anniversary of the Syria conflict.
The destruction of schools in Syria and the lack of education for Syrian children living in neighbouring countries have led to an alarming education crisis, which means millions of young people are at risk of radicalisation, early marriage, child labour, violence and a life of despair.
World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said Syria’s neighbours are at breaking point after supporting millions of Syrian families seeking refuge for four years. The influx of refugees from Syria into Lebanon alone is proportionally similar to the entire population of New Zealand being hosted by Australia.
“Four years have passed, and tragically this conflict is not just continuing, but escalating,” Mr Costello said. “Recruitment of children out of school into radicalised groups is posing a serious threat to the region and beyond.”
“Lack of access to education threatens to undermine the development and well-being of millions of Syrians, which may transmit poverty, insecurity and violence through generations. We cannot let this go on. ”
After four years of violence, 16 million Syrian people are now in need of humanitarian aid across the region – more than 70 per cent of Syria’s pre-crisis population. There is no end in sight with recent peace talks offering little hope.
“In many respects Syria, before the crisis, was a country similar to Australia in terms of population size and opportunities for education, but has been torn apart by four years of conflict,” said Mr Costello.
Currently millions of Syrian children are unable to access an education and unemployment is impacting at least 11 million people, casting great doubt on the future of the Middle Eastern country.
“The generation that will return to rebuild Syria will be significantly affected by a lack of schooling and the destabilising effect of this brutal war.”
The UN and partner agencies have appealed for $11.1 billion to respond to the Syria crisis this year – part of its biggest funding appeal in history. In 2014, vulnerable people were left behind when only 50 per cent of the necessary funds were raised.
In addition, efforts by the international community to protect civilians and bring an end to the conflict have failed. More than 200,000 people are still living in besieged areas making it extremely difficult for aid agencies to reach them and civilians are increasingly targeted.
Donate to World Vision’s response to the Syria crisis call 13 32 40 or go to worldvision.com.au/syria
Tim Costello is available for interview.
Media contact: Gabrielle Brophy on 0407 575 112 and
gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au
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