By Brandon Kaufman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

DAMASCUS, Syria–  With a severe and persistent drought in northeast Syria entering its third year, the United Nations (UN) is gearing up to deliver some much needed assistance. However, the international community has not come up with the necessary funds, due in large part to Syria’s tense diplomatic relations with other countries.

In the three years since the drought has begun, more than 300,000 Syrians have been forced to leave their homes.  In addition to the drought, the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees in Syria has caused a considerable strain on the Syrian infrastructure.

As a result, many of these families have left behind the close knit communities to which they once belonged.  Crime rates are on the rise and the level of poverty has grown exponentially.  Many of these families have settled in and around Damascus, where they can be seen seeking shelter in makeshift tents, consequently creating new pockets of urban poverty.  Furthermore, the dropout rate of displaced children has skyrocketed in the past year.  Moreover, for those families that remain in the drought stricken area, drinking water is drying up, and unclean water sources heighten the risk for disease, especially as many people’s sustenance is bread and sugared tea.

Despite efforts to aid those affected by the drought, Syria is having significant difficulties.  Syria’s relationship with some western and Arab countries is still burdened by lack of agreement on a number of regional issues.  As a result, relief funds have been largely non-existent.  Last year, when the UN issued an emergency appeal for aid money, they were only able to raise nineteen percent of the funds they sought.  Despite the lack of contribution, the UN is moving full steam ahead.  They are seeking $53 million (US dollars) in emergency funds, but have yet to receive any money.

Many hope these measures taken by the UN can stall future migration.  They further hope that a long term plan can be implemented to encourage displaced persons to return to their lands.  However, such a plan may not be feasible until Syrian relations improve with other countries and aid money is donated.

For more information, please see:

Financial Times- UN Warns of Slow Response to ‘Disaster’ Caused by Syria’s Drought– 9 October 2009

Assyrian International News Agency- UN Warns Over Syria Drought ‘Disaster’– 8 October 2009

BBC News- Villages Struggle in Syria Drought– 7 October 2009