Syrian Refugee Crisis by Eric Zhou [STUDENT] https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a Damascus, Syria (Origin) -> Istanbul, Turkey (Middle) -> Berlin, Germany (End) en-us 2023-05-18 01:59:51 UTC 2025-12-14 19:32:14 UTC hello@padlet.com Damascus, Syria (Origin) [SA] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2595616476 Background Information (Settlement Activity):
- Hafez Al-Assad, seized power in Syria in 1970, ushering in a period of authoritarian rule by the Baath Party. There were several rebellions over the years against the government, but most were quickly and harshly suppressed. In 1982, the government launched a brutal crackdown on Islamist activists in the city of Hama, killing tens of thousands of people and effectively stamping out any organized opposition for several years.
- The younger Assad inherited his father's regime in 2000 and continued to maintain tight control over the country, while also pursuing economic liberalization measures that benefited wealthy elites at the expense of ordinary Syrians. In 2011, inspired by similar uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Syrian activists began organizing peaceful marches and calling for democratic reforms. 
]]> 2023-05-18 02:55:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2595616476 Damascus, Syria (Origin) [EI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598802593 Environmental Impacts:
- Deforestation: The massive influx of refugees resulted in a higher demand for wood and other fuel sources. This led to widespread deforestation in many areas as people were cutting down trees for firewood.
- Water scarcity: The Syrian war has also had a profound impact on water availability and quality. Water treatment plants and sewage systems have been damaged or destroyed, and many water sources have been contaminated.
- Waste management: Managing waste is always a challenge, but in a country ravaged by conflict and displacement, it's even more challenging. Piles of garbage are everywhere; open dumpsites are becoming a major issue in the suburbs where families seek refuge. 
- Air pollution: After the onset of the civil war, air pollution increased due to large amounts of dust and debris from destroyed buildings. Cities in and around Syria have seen a rise in smog concentration, causing respiratory diseases for both humans and animals. 
]]> 2023-05-21 13:06:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598802593 Damascus, Syria (Origin) [CUI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598804894 Cultural Impacts:
- Displacement: The displacement of millions of Syrians has robbed communities of their social and cultural networks. Many families have been separated or forcibly uprooted from their homes, making it difficult to maintain traditional cultural practices and beliefs.
- Depletion of Resources: The influx of refugees has put an enormous strain on already limited resources within the host countries as well economically prone neighboring nations which ultimately affect the country's status impacting social & economic well-being.
- Loss of Heritage: The destruction of historical landmarks, artifacts, and cultural heritage sites in Syria means that future generations will not be able to experience these treasures. Moreover, it also impacts tourism which holds a significant contribution to the economy.

Examples of lost heritage includes:
- The ancient city of Aleppo [See Aleppo Map Point]: This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was once a bustling commercial hub, has been heavily damaged during the conflict. Many of its historic buildings and souks (markets) have been destroyed.
- Palmyra: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a major trading center along the Silk Road, Palmyra has been partly destroyed by ISIS militants who occupied the area in 2015.
- Museums and libraries: The National Museum of Damascus was looted and damaged during the early days of the conflict. Other museums and libraries throughout the country have also been targeted, resulting in the loss or destruction of priceless artifacts and documents.]]> 2023-05-21 13:10:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598804894 Damascus, Syria (Origin) [CB] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598807583 Costs & Benefits:

Costs:
Explicit:
- Travel expenses: Syrian refugees traveling to neighboring countries had to pay for transportation costs such as airfare, bus fare, or gas.
- Shelter costs: Once they arrived at their destination, refugees had to find a place to live, which often required paying rent or other housing-related expenses.
- Food and water costs: Syrian refugees needed to buy food and water to survive in their new location.
- Medical expenses: Many Syrian refugees were injured or ill from the conflict and needed medical attention. They either had to pay for this themselves or rely on aid organizations to cover the cost.
Implicit:
- Loss of home and possessions: Syrian refugees had to flee their homes quickly, leaving behind most of their possessions.
- Emotional trauma: The conflict and fleeing their homes caused many refugees emotional trauma that they will have to deal with for years to come.
- Uncertainty regarding the future: Refugee status often means an uncertain future, including the possibility of not being able to return home, remaining in temporary shelter for years, or facing discrimination in their new country.


Benefits:
Explicit:
- Access to basic necessities: Syrian refugees were able to get access to food, clean water, and shelter in nearby countries.
- Safety and security: Fleeing their war-torn country allowed Syrians a chance to escape violence and find safety in a new country.
- Education opportunities: Some refugees were able to attend school for the first time or continue their education in safe surroundings while they are outside Syria.
Implicit:
- Strengthening social bonds: Syrian refugees were able to connect with others from their home country who have similarly settled in different countries. This can help create a sense of community and provide valuable social support.
- Learning new languages and customs: Gain knowledge and skill of cultures and environments through means of adaptation. 
- Remaking identity: Being forced to start life anew also allowed Syrian refugees the room to develop their self awareness and daily living values. 
]]> 2023-05-21 13:16:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598807583 İstanbul, Türkiye (Middle [Main]) [SA] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598809227 Settlement Activity:
- Language learning: Syrian refugees in Turkey are attending language courses, which provide Turkish language training. For instance, the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants (SGDD-ASAM) provides free Turkish language courses to Syrian refugees as part of its "Integration and Adaptation Support Program" (Migration Policy Institute).
- Social Integration: To assist refugees in social integration, some NGOs launched community centers that offer social events and activities, cooking classes, sewing classes, among other cultural activities. For example, the organization Orange House in Istanbul runs various cultural activities such as music sessions, language exchanges nights, among others ("This small apartment is home," Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières).
- Employment: Syrian refugees in Turkey face challenges finding employment due to legal restrictions and discrimination. However, many refugees have found work in the informal sector, including agriculture, construction, and domestic work. For example, a study by the Migration Policy Institute found that "Syrian refugees make up a substantial portion of the agricultural labor force" in Turkey. Some refugees also work in small businesses, such as shops and restaurants. 
]]> 2023-05-21 13:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598809227 Gaziantep, Türkiye (Middle [Additional]) [SA] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598810247 Settlement Activity:
- Housing: According to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), "Most Syrian refugees rent houses in urban areas" in Turkey. The report states that "the government of Turkey has made significant efforts to provide housing assistance," but there is still a housing shortage for refugees. As a result, many refugees live in overcrowded apartments or makeshift shelters. For example, according to a report by Al Jazeera, in the city of Gaziantep, "Syrian refugees have set up informal camps on vacant land in the city center.”]]> 2023-05-21 13:20:51 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598810247 Gaziantep, Türkiye (Middle [Additional]) [EI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598811975 Environmental Impacts:
- Deforestation: According to a study conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2018, the increase in demand for fuelwood and charcoal by Syrian refugees and locals led to increased forest degradation and deforestation in southern Turkey. The study found that "the loss of over 1,500 hectares of forest and woodland, with an estimated 21,000 tons of annual harvested biomass, contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change."]]> 2023-05-21 13:24:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598811975 İstanbul, Türkiye (Middle [Main]) [EI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598812464 Environmental Impacts:
- Water Scarcity & Water Pollution: The increase in human population due to the influx of Syrian refugees led to increased demand for water resources. However, this could put additional stress on already scarce water resources, causing both quantity and quality problems. Wastewater treatment facilities in areas hosting high numbers of Syrian refugees tend to be overwhelmed, polluting the environment with untreated sewage and hazardous materials from informal settlements and presenting public health risks.
- Efficient Energy Use: Due to the lack of resources and economic constraints, many Syrians rely on renewable sources of energy. Since arriving in Turkey, some refugees have introduced more sustainable methods of heating and cooling homes, such as using solar panels for energy or efficient wood-burning stoves for heating purposes. ]]> 2023-05-21 13:24:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598812464 İstanbul, Türkiye (Middle [Main]) [CUI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598813828 Cultural Impacts:
- Labor Market Competition: According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, "Syrian refugees have disrupted Turkey's labor market, creating new job competition and causing wage depression in low-skilled sectors, while skilled Syrians remain subject to underemployment or unemployment." This has created tension between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees, who are seen as taking jobs away from locals.
- Improved Policies: The presence of Syrian refugees has brought attention to the need for more robust migration policies and refugee protection measures in Turkey. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), "Turkey hosted the largest number of refugees worldwide, and its response to the Syrian refugee crisis has been widely recognized as a leading example of humanitarian action."
]]> 2023-05-21 13:27:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598813828 İstanbul, Türkiye (Middle [Main]) [CB] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598814773 Costs & Benefits:

Costs:
Implicit:
- Psychological trauma and mental health issues: According to a survey by UNICEF in 2017, nearly 40% of Syrian children living in Turkey showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, they found that most were severely affected by displacement, conflict, and the overall uncertainty of their future. 
- Familial separation: Many Syrian families have been forced to separate due to the ongoing war and migration. Separation from families could lead to long-lasting psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or other emotional defects.
Explicit:
- Legal fees and residency costs: Some refugees may face difficulties extending legal residency in Turkey, which could result in them being subject to deportation and criminal charges without proper documentation. An article in the Journal on Migration and Human Security points out that challenges for Syrians in obtaining citizenship particularly strengthens through the requirement itself when complying with the so-called "good behavior" principle opposed by Turkish legislation. 
- Travel expenses: Expenses had to be handled to cross over into Turkey. Different statistics quote how much this cost is with specific shares of each direct and indirect expense affecting different groups. According to The Guardian, on average, these fees could range between $400 for transport and up to $5000 if smugglers are employed. 

Benefits:
Implicit:
- Health care and Social Support: Turkey's general healthcare system coverage allows Syrian refugees to obtain several medical procedures like surgeries and all supporting medications free of charge. This service enhances refugees' health welfare needs regardless of socioeconomic status.
- Life prospects: Those seeking refuge are witnessing wider opportunities available within the larger cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, and are getting better financial job prospects.
- Protection and Safety: According to a report published by Human Rights Watch (HRW), Turkey has provided safety and protection for Syrian refugees. HRW documented several accounts where Turkish security forces protected Syrian refugees, particularly women and children, from violence and harassment.
Explicit:
- Support from NGOs and Public agencies: Turkey's non-governmental organizations such as the Turkish Red Crescent has been active in delivering various relief meds including aiding in tons of food distribution, education resources, labour market integration, etcetera. UNHCR continues to support refugees, particularly women and children who are more vulnerable.
- Access to Free Education: According to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), "Turkey already hosts the largest number of refugees in the world and continues to provide crucial support to children affected by the conflict in Syria. Syrian children have access to public schools operated by the Ministry of Education in Turkey, free of charge." 
]]> 2023-05-21 13:29:40 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598814773 Berlin, Germany (End) [SA] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598817409 Settlement Activity:
- Employment: A considerable percent of the Syrian refugees in Germany have been able to secure jobs, as their employability rate has increased over the years. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), around 42% of registered migrants had a job at the end of 2019.
- Language Acquisition and Learning: Due to the importance of language proficiency in facilitating socialization and employment, there has been a focus on teaching German to Syrian refugees. The BAMF recorded that just under half (47%) of migrants enrolled in language classes, with an increase in demand for both refugees and volunteers for language-support programs.
- Integration into Society: Many Syrian refugees are taking part in social and cultural activities such as volunteering, participating in sports clubs, attending events and festivals, and making friends with German nationals. A BAMF study notes that "the most common ways for refugees to make friends with Germans were through neighbors (77%), work colleagues (53%), sports clubs (31%) and language courses (25%)."]]> 2023-05-21 13:34:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598817409 Berlin, Germany (End) [EI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598819046 Environmental Impacts:
- Energy Reduction: According to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research, Syrian households use less energy per capita than German households. They also tend to use more energy-efficient appliances. As a result, Syrian households in Germany use 25% less energy than German households on average.
- Land Use & Deforestation: Due to the specific design and host policies, refugee camps usually require a large area. Hence the establishment and expansion of refugee camps can cause disruption to natural ecosystems, including forested areas, which ultimately leads to deforestation.]]> 2023-05-21 13:37:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598819046 Berlin, Germany (End) [CUI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598819489 Cultural Impacts:
- Demographic Shift: Aging population is an issue challenging European economies as most countries struggle for workforce because the Population is aging. It is estimated that about 42% of refugees arriving in Germany were under the age of 25, leading to a younger working-age population. This creates opportunities for Germany to maintain its workforce and allows a continuous flow of innovation from young minds.
- Enrichment of Culture: Refugees can introduce new foods, religions, and languages to host communities which leads to enrichment. In Germany, the introduction of Syrian food and language has allowed German citizens to be introduced to another culture, appreciating perspectives different from theirs.
- Increased Social Tension: With more than a million refugees entering the country in less than three years, is forces many Germans to worry about how integration may affect their personal and cultural identity. This tension is often exhibited in anti-immigrant protests, with reports citing increased instances of violence and general hostility towards new arrivals.
- Challenge to Local Infrastructure/Land Use: Most of the refugees often settle where facilities are available, these areas tend to face overpopulation leading to saturation of schools, health care centers, and accommodation facilities, creating a strain on local government services hence reduced satisfaction]]> 2023-05-21 13:38:43 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598819489 Berlin, Germany (End) [CB] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598820645 Costs & Benefits:

Costs:
- Language Barrier: According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, "the biggest challenge facing Syrian refugees in Germany is likely to be their limited language skills”. This can make it difficult for refugees to find work, communicate with officials, and integrate into German society.
- Facing Discrimination and Prejudice: A study by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation found that "anti-Syrian and anti-immigrant attitudes are still deeply entrenched within a large part of German society". This can lead to harassment, exclusion, and difficulties accessing certain services or opportunities.

Benefits:
- Safety and Security: For Syrian refugees who fled their country due to the ongoing conflict, living in Germany offers a sense of safety and security. The stabilization of their basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care as well as inclusion within civil society can guarantee social stabilization amid humanitarian crises.
- Employment Opportunities: Syrian Refugees have equal rights to work; hence Germany has provided numerous employment opportunities with decent payment schemes that boost their skills and also reduce psychosocial stress since research shows that long term unemployment puts these refugees at higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders (Mental Health and Integration)
- Access to Education: A German law called the Integration Act ensures that newly arrived refugees have access to education and language training soon after their arrival. Hence, implicit benefit includes educational empowerment in aiding refugees to an easy integration phase. According to the 2019 Annual Report of the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), over 70% of refugee children are enrolled in schools, including higher education.
- Healthcare Support: Germany provides medical assistance to refugees through its healthcare system known as the “State Health System,” which includes access to doctors, medicines, hospitals, and care. Medical care is funded with public funds, including long-term care insurance, statutory health insurance, and other branches (e.g., employment accidents and social welfare) necessary for health care delivery. 
]]> 2023-05-21 13:40:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598820645 Works Cited ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598857803 Origin:

"Syria Crisis." World Health Organization, 2022, who.int/emergencies/situations/syria-crisis. Accessed 10 May 2023.

"Syria: Heritage Destruction." United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), whc.unesco.org/en/syria/. Accessed 12 May 2023.

"Syria Refugee Crisis Explained." UNHCR, 2023, unrefugees.org/news/syria-refugee-crisis-explained/. Accessed 10 May 2023.

"Syria Profile - Timeline." BBC News, BBC, 14 Jan. 2019, bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14703995. Accessed 12 May 2023.

"What Is The Syrian Refugee Crisis?" WorldAtlas, 10 May 2021, worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-syrian-refugee-crisis.html. Accessed 10 May 2023.

Middle:

Al Jazeera. “Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Straddling the Border.” Al Jazeera, 4 Mar. 2020, aljazeera.com/news/2020/3/4/syrian-refugees-in-turkey-straddling-the-border. Accessed 13 May 2023.

Migration Policy Institute. "Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Integration Challenges and Opportunities." Migration Policy Institute, 17 May 2018, migrationpolicy.org/article/syrian-refugees-turkey-integration-challenges-and-opportunities. Accessed 14 May 2023.

"Syrian Refugees in Turkey: Integration Challenges and Opportunities." Migration Policy Institute, 17 May 2018, migrationpolicy.org/article/syrian-refugees-turkey-integration-challenges-and-opportunities. Accessed 13 May 2023.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). "Turkey: Humanitarian Situation Report No. 12 (Earthquake), 10 May 2023." UNICEF, 10 May 2023, unicef.org/documents/t%C3%BCrkiye-humanitarian-situation-report-no-12-earthquake-10-may-2023. Accessed 13 May 2023.

United Nations Development Programme. “Impact of Syrian Refugees on Forests and Forest Communities in Turkey.” UNDP, 2018, tr.undp.org/content/turkey/en/home/library/crisis_prevention_and_recovery/syrian-refugees-impact-on-forests-and-forest-communities.html. Accessed 12 May 2023.

UNHCR. "Turkey: 5 Years of Solidarity with Syrian Refugees." UNHCR, 2016, unhcr.org/en-us/news/stories/2016/3/56e6e3249/turkey-5-years-solidarity-syrian-refugees.html. Accessed 12 May 2023.

UNHCR. “2019 UNHCR Country Operations Profile - Turkey.” UNHCR, 2019, reliefweb.int/report/turkey/2019-unhcr-country-operations-profile-turkey. Accessed 13 May 2023.

UNICEF. "Syrian Children in Turkey Struggle to Access Basic Services and Opportunities." UNICEF Turkey, 2017, unicef.org/turkey/en/press-releases/syrian-children-turkey-struggle-access-basic-services-and-opportunities. Accessed 12 May 2023.

End:

Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge. "Migrations- und Integrationsbericht 2020 [Migration and Integration Report 2020]." 2020. bamf.de/[SharedDocs](poe://www.poe.com/_api/key_phrase?phrase=SharedDocs&prompt=Tell%20me%20more%20about%20SharedDocs.)/Anlagen/DE/Publikationen/Migrationsberichte/migrationsbericht-2020.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=11. Accessed 16 May 2023.

Migration Policy Institute. "Syrian Refugees in Germany." Migration Policy Institute, 26 January 2018, migrationpolicy.org/article/syrian-refugees-germany. Accessed 15 May 2023.

"Syrian Refugees in Germany." Migration Policy Institute, www.migrationpolicy.org/article/syrian-refugees-germany. Accessed 14 May 2023.

“Themenportal Flucht, Migration, Integration.” Zur Startseite Der Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, www.fes.de/themenportal-flucht-migration-integration/. Accessed 14 May 2023. 

UNHCR Cyprus. "Syria Refugee Crisis: Globally, in Europe and in Cyprus - Meet Some Syrian Refugees in Cyprus." UNHCR, 18 March 2021, unhcr.org/cy/2021/03/18/syria-refugee-crisis-globally-in-europe-and-in-cyprus-meet-some-syrian-refugees-in-cyprus/. Accessed 15 May 2023.]]> 2023-05-21 14:50:17 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598857803 Aleppo, Syria ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598864719 2023-05-21 15:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598864719 Damascus, Syria (Origin) [CHI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598929363 Choice & Incentives:

Choice:
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey at the time of the outbreak of the Syrian refugee crisis in 2011 was around 12,000.

Incentives:
Syrian refugees are motivated to migrate to Turkey in order to escape the violence and brutality caused by political conflicts in their home country. They also seek to find new access to necessities and natural resources that may be scarce in their homeland. Additionally, they hope to regain safety and human rights that may have been denied to them in Syria.]]> 2023-05-21 17:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598929363 Berlin, Germany (End) [CHI] ericzhou3 https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598931080 Choice & Incentives:

Choice:
According to UNHCR, Germany has been among the world's top three destinations for Syrian refugee resettlement since 2012. This is partly due to the fact that Germany offers generous benefits for refugees - new arrivals have access to accommodation, food, healthcare and German language classes. Additionally, the country has an excellent education system with free tuition making it easy for refugees to pursue their studies. "Germany’s extensive welfare state, which includes medical care, child benefits, unemployment insurance, housing assistance, and other supports provided by the government," makes it an attractive destination for refugees seeking stability and assistance as they integrate into a new society. (Migration Policy Institute) 

Incentives:
Syrian refugees are motivated to migrate to Germany in order to seek opportunities for employment that may be unavailable in their home country. They also seek safety and a location with better political stability, as Germany is less likely to have political conflicts that could potentially result in forced migration. In addition, they hope to access better education opportunities in Germany.
]]> 2023-05-21 17:08:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ericzhou3/yf8et3azsefksm0a/wish/2598931080