THE PROBLEM
Caught in the midst of horrific conflict, more than 11 million Syrian refugees are displaced: 7.5 million have been forced from their homes in search of safety and security. More than 4 million – mostly women and children – have been fled the country entirely to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. More than half of the country’s pre-war population is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and care.
In the midst of such upheaval, communications are critical to help refugees find assistance, connect with loved ones, and stay abreast of news updates. While many Syrian refugees are fortunate to have a mobile phone, technical infrastructure is lacking: WiFi and cellular connectivity, charging stations and sources of information that may help connect refugees to their families are few and far between. As a result, refugees do not have access at the very time when it is most urgently needed to navigate the long and perilous journey to safety.
THE SOLUTION
After rigorous, in-depth analysis, NetHope and its members identified key ICT-related needs related to the Syria crisis: cell phone connectivity and charging along migration routes and in refugee camps, cyber security, a central information portal for refugees ,and e-learning for young refugees.
To meet these needs, NetHope has mobilized its network of technical specialists to support responding organizations in the region and refugees wherever they are located. Most immediately, NetHope is implementing connectivity solutions in rapidly-growing refugee camps in Jordan and providing connectivity kits for nonprofits working along the migration routes to assist refugees with mobile connectivity and recharging. Simultaneously, we are supporting the development of a comprehensive information portal for refugees to provide information about safe migration routes, locations offering humanitarian aid, acceptance into neighboring countries and the status of unrest in their home country.
Additionally, we are providing assistance to responding organizations to address cybersecurity issues. Finally, recognizing that many refugees may be displaced for some time given the protracted nature of the conflict, we are developing approaches to provide e-learning to refugee children so that they can continue to learn and be prepared for life outside the camps.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help. Your gift will provide displaced families in camps and along the migration routes with a communications lifeline that will help them navigate a path to greater safety and security. Help NetHope and its members give refugees a voice.