10 Years of War Exacts Savage Toll on Young Syrians

International Committee of the Red Cross report highlights profound psychological effect of years of relentless violence

It has been ten years of war in Syria with no alleviation in sight for most Syrians. As the crisis moves into its second decade, a survey commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross highlights the heavy price paid by young Syrians.

All Syrians surveyed spoke of the profound psychological toll of years of relentless violence and disruption and a decade marked by loss of loved ones, loss of opportunities and loss of control over their future.

1,400 Syrians between the ages of 18-25 were surveyed in Syria, Lebanon and Germany. Across the three countries, young people spoke of families and friendships torn apart, immense economic hardship and worry, frustrated ambitions and missed milestones.

This has been a decade of savage loss for all Syrians. For young people in particular, the last ten years have been marked by loss of loved ones, loss of opportunities and loss of control over their future. The survey is a sombre snapshot of a generation who lost their adolescence and young adulthood to the conflict.

— Robert Mardini, the ICRC’s Geneva-based director-general

In a country where more than half the population are under the age of 25, the survey is a glimpse of what millions have endured over the last ten years.

• In Syria, almost one in two young people (47%) said a close relative or friend had been killed in the conflict. One in six young Syrians said at least one of their parents was killed or seriously injured (16%). 12% had themselves been injured in the conflict.

• 54% had lost contact with a close relative. In Lebanon this rises to almost seven in ten.

• 62% reported having to leave their homes, either within Syria or abroad.

• Nearly half had lost their income because of the conflict (49%), and nearly eight in ten (77%) reported struggling to find or afford food and necessities. In Syria, this rose to 85%.

• 57% reported missing years of education, if they went at all.

• One in five reported postponing marriage plans because of the conflict.

Women hit hard
Economic opportunities and jobs top young Syrians’ list of what they need most, followed by healthcare, education and psychological support. Women have been particularly hard-hit economically, with almost 30% in Syria reporting no income at all to support their family. Young Syrians in Lebanon report humanitarian assistance among their top needs. The conflict’s impact on mental health is also clear. In the past 12 months, young people in Syria have experienced sleep disorders (54%), anxiety (73%), depression (58%), solitude (46%), frustration (62%) and distress (69%) because of the conflict. In all three countries, young Syrians said access to psychological support was one of the things they needed most.

These young people are now facing their second decade of this agonizing crisis. What is so poignant about their situation is that, having lost much of their childhood and teenage years to the violence, this generation will likely shoulder much of the responsibility and work of reconstruction. Their children’s lives will be marked by this conflict, too.

— Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC’s Geneva-based regional director for the Near and Middle East

Extremely brutal conflict

The conflict in Syria has been breathtakingly brutal for civilians, characterized by destruction of cities and towns on a vast scale, massive internal displacement and a refugee crisis that has reverberated across the world.

In the past year, millions of people have been pushed deeper into poverty by the worst economic crisis since the conflict began, compounded by the impact of sanctions and the global COVID-19 pandemic. Some 13.4 million people (out of roughly 18 million) need humanitarian assistance. Despite everything, most young Syrians surveyed said they are optimistic about the future. Their hopes and ambitions for the next decade are universally recognisable: safety and stability, a chance to have a family and a well-paid job, affordable and accessible healthcare and services, and an end to the upheaval and conflict.

Rami’s story

Rami Asfar, 29, who left his hometown Hama to move to Aleppo during the conflict, said the decision to leave was one he will never forget.

“This war changed my life completely. I’m changed where I live, my ambitions, all my plans. I even changed my university major. I’ve been forced to find better conditions in these bad ones.”

For Rami, now an artist and selling his designs in his gallery in Aleppo, the worst part of the war was the psychological impact.

“I don’t have any physical injuries. For me the psychological and emotional damage was the hardest part. I’ve tried to get over it but it left me with scars. This wound will live with me for a lifetime.

“I wish the world could see the reality in Syria – not just what’s on social media. Now all you see is war, destruction and people in need. But what we really need is spirit. I wish the world could see our history, our art and our new generations, because we have something big and genuine, and that’s the most important thing.”

Despite everything, most young Syrians surveyed said they are optimistic about the future. Their hopes and ambitions for the next decade are universally recognisable: safety and stability, a chance to have a family and a well-paid job, affordable and accessible healthcare and services, and an end to the upheaval and conflict.