After almost five years of civil war, the plight of the Syrian people has finally captured the world’s attention. Amnesty’s Crisis Intern, Zulma Schubert, explains why we need to take a strong stance for Syrians and show that Australia really does care.
Alan Kurdi
The image of Syrian boy Alan Kurdi, who drowned when his family attempted to reach Greece, instantly became the symbol of a larger tragedy. Up until this point, the Syrian conflict seemed to be a world apart. But seeing the image of the little boy laying face down on a Turkish beach made the world wake up to a harsh reality.
As the fifth anniversary of the start of the Syrian conflict approaches, it seems the world has remained indifferent all this time. It has taken people being pushed to the limit, fleeing their homes, and putting themselves at risk for us to notice. And it has taken terrible images such as that of Alan for us to care.
It has taken people being pushed to the limit, fleeing their homes, and putting themselves at risk for us to notice. And it has taken terrible images such as that of Alan for us to care.
Side effects of the Syrian crisis
Syrians used to lead lives similar to ours. Now, there are 13.5 million Syrians in need of humanitarian aid inside the country, and 6.5 million people – that’s one in every two Syrians – have been internally displaced. And, with the emergence of the armed group calling itself Islamic State, the effect of the crisis is spreading beyond the Syria.
6.5 million people – that’s one in every two Syrians – have been internally displaced.
And with the Syrian crisis comes an unprecedented refugee crisis. Countries neighbouring Syria, such as Lebanon and Jordan, are not only taking in a large number of Syrian refugees, but are also suffering economic losses as result of the crisis, with unemployment and poverty set to rise.
In Australia, the realization of the refugee crisis facing Europe made us aware that this war is indeed affecting all of us. After increased pressure by both human rights organisations and the public, the Australian Government announced this year that 12,000 Syrians will be resettled in Australia.
Why care now?
Accommodating the large amounts of displaced people fleeing the conflict is a challenge, and refugee camps are beyond capacity. Za’atari camp in Jordan is currently hosting 80,000 Syrian refugees. Organisations such as the Red Cross are working to aid those who remain in Syria.
With an increase in airstrikes from coalition forces, civilians no longer fear military forces and armed groups within the country alone. They are at constant risk.
With an increase in airstrikes from coalition forces, civilians no longer fear military forces and armed groups within the country alone. They are at constant risk.
In recent years, the inhumane treatment that refugees and people seeking asylum have received in our detention centres has cast a shadow on Australia. Taking a stronger stance now for Syria and its people would be a first step towards showing the world that Australia is a nation that cares.
Not caring about Syria and its people is no longer an option.
