Syrian refugee labour and food insecurity in Middle Eastern agriculture during the early COVID‐19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann‐Christin Zuntz ◽  
Mackenzie Klema ◽  
Shaher Abdullateef ◽  
Stella Mazeri ◽  
Salim Faisal Alnabolsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Syrian Refugee

The Syrian Refugee Crisis in the Middle East

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaden Khallaf
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Refugee Crisis ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Refugee Protection ◽  
International Response ◽  
Regional Dynamics ◽  
High Commissioner ◽  
Syrian Refugee Crisis ◽  
Transformational Development

This chapter examines the response of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East. The Syrian displacement crisis that began in 2011 has been a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding during one of the most tumultuous and complex times in contemporary Middle Eastern history. The Syria crisis has been a transformational development, a “game-changer,” on a number of levels, including the impact on local and regional dynamics, the scope and nature of the international response, and the challenges to the global refugee protection regime it has triggered. This chapter first provides an overview of the complex displacement patterns involving Syrian refugees before discussing the international community's response to the crisis. It also considers the policy challenges arising from the Syrian displacement crisis and suggests that a qualitative and quantitative shift in approach to dealing with displacement in the region seems to herald the way forward, with a pressing need for innovative outlooks and meaningful partnerships that give primacy to refugees' own perspectives.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Determinants, and Effects of Food Insecurity among Middle Eastern and North African Migrants and Refugees in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 7262
Author(s):  
Reima Mansour ◽  
Pranee Liamputtong ◽  
Amit Arora
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
High Income ◽  
North African ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
African Migrants ◽  
Migrant Families ◽  
Somali Refugee ◽  
Meta Analyses

Issues related to poverty and income inequality in high-income countries have led to food insecurity among some population groups, such as migrants and refugees. While there are some studies on the experience of some migrant groups (and other subpopulations), little is known about food security among Middle Eastern and African migrants and refugees. This systematic review identified the prevalence of food insecurity and its effects among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) migrants and refugees in high-income countries. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this systematic review. Four databases, namely MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PubMed were searched. Three studies met the inclusion criteria, all of which were conducted in USA: two among Sudanese migrant families, and one among Somali refugee women. The rates of reported food insecurity ranged from 40% to 71% and were significantly higher than for the general population. Food insecurity was associated with acculturation and socio-economic factors. Food insecurity adversely impacts the health of MENA migrants and refugees, creating economic implications for individuals, families, the broader community in which they now live, and for governments.

scholarly journals Food insecurity, low dietary diversity, and poor mental health among Syrian refugee mothers living in vulnerable areas of Greater Beirut, Lebanon

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-47
Author(s):  
Joana Abou-Rizk ◽  
Theresa Jeremias ◽  
Georgiana Cocuz ◽  
Lara Nasreddine ◽  
Lamis Jomaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Syrian Refugee

Abstract Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing vulnerabilities that are affecting their food insecurity levels. The objectives of this study were to measure dietary diversity, food insecurity (FI), and mental health status of Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon and to explore its associations with their anemia and nutritional status. A cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers with children under 5 years (n=433) in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. Dietary diversity was measured using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) and FI using the global Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) at the individual level. Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were measured to assess the maternal mental health status. Data on socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected. Overall, 63.3% of the mothers had a low dietary diversity (LDD) and 34.4% were moderately to severely food insecure, with 12.5% being severely food insecure. The prevalence of PTSD, moderate depression, and severe depression were 13.2%, 11.1%, and 9.9%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between LDD and FI (P<0.001). A low-income was significantly associated with LDD and FI. Poor mental health was significantly associated with FI. LDD and FI were not associated with anemia and nutritional status of mothers. Low-income households had significantly higher intakes of grains and refined starchy staples, whereas high-income households consumed more nutritious foods and sweets. Evidence of inadequate diet quality, FI, and poor mental health among Syrian refugee mothers in Lebanon are presented. Multifaceted actions are needed to reduce FI and improve dietary diversity.

scholarly journals The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

2019 ◽  
pp. 697-706
Author(s):  
Zahid Shahab Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Muslim World ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Refugee Crisis ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Continuous Support ◽  
Syrian Refugee Crisis ◽  
The Arab Spring

Following the Arab Spring, the Middle East is in chaos with ongoing wars in Yemen and Syria. There are millions of Syrians seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey and Lebanon, and in European countries like Greece, Hungary, and Germany. Nonetheless, the largest proportion of Syrian refugees in hosted by neighboring countries needing continuous support of the international community. As the issue of Syrian refugees is transnational, there is a need to look for multilateral options for dealing with the crisis. Thus, the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) becomes crucial. Irrespective of being labelled as a ‘talk fest', there is no denying of the fact that OIC has significant potential for tackling grave challenges facing the Muslim world. The problems range from extremism and radicalization to poverty and illiteracy. Now there is the emergent challenge of refugees from the Middle Eastern crisis. This paper evaluates the role of OIC with reference to the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East and beyond.

scholarly journals The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

2017 ◽  
pp. 115-126
Author(s):  
Zahid Shahab Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Muslim World ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Refugee Crisis ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Continuous Support ◽  
Syrian Refugee Crisis ◽  
The Arab Spring

Following the Arab Spring, the Middle East is in chaos with ongoing wars in Yemen and Syria. There are millions of Syrians seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey and Lebanon, and in European countries like Greece, Hungary, and Germany. Nonetheless, the largest proportion of Syrian refugees in hosted by neighboring countries needing continuous support of the international community. As the issue of Syrian refugees is transnational, there is a need to look for multilateral options for dealing with the crisis. Thus, the role of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) becomes crucial. Irrespective of being labelled as a ‘talk fest', there is no denying of the fact that OIC has significant potential for tackling grave challenges facing the Muslim world. The problems range from extremism and radicalization to poverty and illiteracy. Now there is the emergent challenge of refugees from the Middle Eastern crisis. This paper evaluates the role of OIC with reference to the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East and beyond.

scholarly journals Nutrition Knowledge, English Adequacy, Women's Education and Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees in Florida

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 990-990
Author(s):  
Racha Sankar ◽  
Fatma !Huffman
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Women's Education ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Syrian Refugee

Abstract Objectives The objective was to measure food insecurity and determine whether food insecurity may be associated with nutrition knowledge, English adequacy and education of Syrian women from the households participating in this study. Methods One-on-one interview questionnaires were administered to Syrian refugee households residing in Florida, N = 80, n = 43 in rural area, n = 37 in urban area. The main outcomes were food insecurity, nutrition knowledge, English adequacy, and women's education. Results Among the total households, 80% were food insecure, and food insecurity was greater in rural area (60.9%) than in urban area (39.1%). The majority (57.5%) of participants scored fair nutrition knowledge. One-way frequency analysis showed that 75% of households had inadequate English and 25% had adequate English. Twenty three point seven percent of Syrian refugee women had high school diploma or higher, when 76.3% did not complete their high school education. The Chi square test showed a significant difference in nutrition knowledge in urban and rural areas, P = 0.04. It also showed significant differences in women's education in rural and urban areas, P = 0.03. The result of multivariate logistic regression model indicated that types of residence had an inverse significant effect on food security after controlling for our variables. Syrian refugees in rural areas had 79.9 greater odds of being food insecure compared with urban areas, odds ratio = 0.201, 95% CI: 0.053–0.758, P = 0.01. Conclusions Nutrition knowledge, English adequacy and women's education may be less important than types of residence. The types of residence is a contributing factor to food insecurity in Syrian refugees residing in Florida. A larger sample size would allow clearer understanding of the relation of our variables with food insecurity. Funding Sources Self funded

scholarly journals Assessment of Growth in Pediatric Syrian Refugee Populations in Jordan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Vakos ◽  
Nadia Khalil ◽  
Ambuj Kumar ◽  
Lynette Menezes ◽  
Minal Ahson
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Developmental Health ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Externally displaced pediatric Syrian refugees are at risk of adverse developmental health outcomes in the setting of food insecurity. To evaluate the impact of displacement on nutritional status of Syrian children, this study describes the prevalence of malnutrition of Syrian children residing in Jordan. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data from patient records < 18 years of age from the Syrian American Medical Society's (SAMS) January 2019 mission trip to Jordan was performed. Prevalence of stunting, severe wasting, wasting, overweight, and underweight were calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions. Results Overall, 392 Syrian children were included. In the 0 to 59 months group (n = 191), prevalence of stunting was 13.9% (n = 165), severe wasting 4.2% (n = 165), wasting 6% (n = 165), overweight 16.4% (n = 165), and underweight 5.3% (n = 190). In the > 59 months group (n = 201), prevalence of stunting was 7.2% (n = 194), severe wasting 3.6% (n = 194), wasting 5.2% (n = 194), overweight 6.7% (n = 194), and underweight 4.6% (n = 153). Age group was significantly associated with stunting (odds ratio [OR]  = 2.08,9 5% CI 1.03 to 4.19) and overweight (OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.36 to 5.47) with increased odds of each in the 0–59 months group. Conclusion The findings suggest evidence of higher prevalence of malnutrition in Syrian children compared with prior assessments and greater impact on the younger cohort. In 0 to 59 months' old Syrian children, stunting and wasting were of medium severity and overweight was of high severity. This may reflect food insecurity in the setting of ongoing conflict, strain on resources, and evolving refugee policies, acknowledging study limitations. Syrian refugee children living in Jordan experience wasting and stunting. Comprehensive assessment of current nutritional status of Syrian children is needed. Access to adequate and nutritious food is paramount.

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