Assignment Reports
The ongoing conflict in Syria has taken a devastating toll on the education system; the impact on infrastructure, personnel, resourcing and student attendance is well documented. New DFID-funded research focuses on children’s learning and their exposure to trauma to build a picture of early primary education in opposition-held areas. In combining data on academic performance… Read more
This rapid review report has identified the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) options used in emergency settings, with decentralised wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) and mobile wastewater treatment units performing most effectively and with minimal costs. Examples are taken from refugee camps and internally displaced people (IDP) settlements due to the Iraq war, the Israeli-Palestine conflict, and… Read more
This rapid review is based on 5 days of desk-based research. It is designed to provide a brief overview of the key issues, and a summary of pertinent evidence found within the time permitted. The literature was identified using two methods. Firstly, a number of experts were identified and contacted. They were asked to provide… Read more
This annotated bibliography highlights 14 key resources drawn from the studies which underpinned the questions answered in this helpdesk report. Some selection criteria included the source’s relevance to the query, recent publication, contextual relevance and methodology. The sources below are grouped into three sets: those selected based on their relevance to the Syrian context; those… Read more
This report summarises available literature and evidence relating to the above two specific questions. The geographical focus of this research is Syria and neighbouring countries. However, examples of evidence from different contexts are also drawn to inform this review. Education and psychosocial support are purported to have a dynamic and mutually reinforcing relationship. The Education… Read more
This helpdesk report is the concluding report in the query addressing psycho-social interventions in protracted crises with reference to Syria and its neighbouring countries as well as from other fragile and conflict affected states (FACS). This report specifically addresses sports/physical education programmes in and around Syria and its impact. Until recently, arts and sport/physical education… Read more
Most of the evidence concentrates on the nutrition of vulnerable groups – mainly very young children and CBA. The little data available on nutritional status of the elderly is for those living in residential homes. For men, published evidence relates to Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries and is therefore not given here. The report includes… Read more
This report describes the impacts of the winter cash transfer programme run by UNHCR and partners from November 2013 to April 2014. The programme gave $575 USD via ATM cards to 87,700 registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon with the objective of keeping people warm and dry during cold winter months. This research measured the impacts… Read more
The purpose of the review was to provide a summary of possible indicators which might be used to measure the performance and quality of healthcare in conflict-affected settings. There is considerable guidance on measuring access, availability and quantity of health provision in these settings, but much less on whether this care is sufficient or effective…. Read more
Increasing access to education and skills development through technology, particularly for ‘21st century skills,’ can offer opportunities for displaced youth. Alternately, not investing in, and encouraging, new and innovative ways of delivering training, skills and education will result in many youth falling further behind. The gap between those who can contribute to the economy and… Read more
In Syria, the crisis has pushed the capacity of basic social services to the breaking point, with a devastating impact on 4.5 million children. A total of 2 million children are out of school and one in five schools has been destroyed, damaged, or used for other purposes, including occupation by armed groups. The economic… Read more