Hidden victims of the Syrian crisis: disabled, injured and older refugees

Status:	Published 1 October 2013 - 31 October 2013
Not funded
Methodology:	Planned, Published, widgets.needs_assessment.status.5
Methodology description:	Survey undertaken in 7 areas of Jordan and Lebanon with high concentrations of refugees. 2 sampling methods used; a main random cluster sampling used to identify registered refugees and additional random sampling planned using databases of humanitarian partners to identify non-registered refugees. 30 random clusters out of 100 were selected in each governorate and in Zaatari camp. Each group of 30 clusters contain at least 410 Syrian refugees. Final data collection resulted in clusters of 429 people in Jordan and 478 people in Lebanon on average.
Sampling:	Random
Sampling size:	3,202
Target population:	Displaced - Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Population in Camp, Urban / Rural Population
Target settlement:	Privately hosted, Planned camps or settlements, Self-settled camps/Informal tented settlements
Measurement:	Individual

Hidden victims of the Syrian crisis: disabled, injured and older refugees

Status:	Published 1 October 2013 - 31 October 2013
Not funded
Methodology:	Direct Observation, Household key informant interviews, Individual key informant interviews
Methodology description:	Survey undertaken in 7 areas of Jordan and Lebanon with high concentrations of refugees. 2 sampling methods used; a main random cluster sampling used to identify registered refugees and additional random sampling planned using databases of humanitarian partners to identify non-registered refugees. 30 random clusters out of 100 were selected in each governorate and in Zaatari camp. Each group of 30 clusters contain at least 410 Syrian refugees. Final data collection resulted in clusters of 429 people in Jordan and 478 people in Lebanon on average.
Sampling:	Random
Sampling size:	3,202
Target population:	Displaced - Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Population in Camp, Urban / Rural Population
Target settlement:	Privately hosted, Planned camps or settlements, Self-settled camps/Informal tented settlements
Measurement:	Individual

Within the refugee population older, disabled and injured refugees face specific challenges that contribute to their vulnerability, yet, studies of humanitarian programming show that these same groups are often neglected in the assessment, data collection, design and delivery responses. Therefore this research project highlights the number and needs of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon living with impairment, injury and chronic disease (specific needs).

Needs

-Ensure all services and assistance are available and accessible by people with specific needs. -Develop strategies that strengthen existing family and community support mechanisms for people with specific needs. -Address gaps in the quality of primary healthcare services for those with chronic disease. -Ensure medical assistance and longer-term rehabilitation is available for post-operative patients (to avoid creating disabilities). -Ensure projects that address the needs of refugees with specific needs receive the necessary funding support. -Support central governments and local authorities to adapt strategies, services, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure accessibility by older, disabled and injured refugees, and support recognition of their rights.

Main Findings

-30% Syrian refugees have specific needs; 1/5 affected by physical, sensory or intellectual impairment; 1/7 by chronic disease; 1/20 suffers injury, 80% of which directly resulting from conflict. -Older people account for 10% of specific needs refugees. 77% of older refugees surveyed have specific needs.