Unfortunately, refugees still exist. What’s more alarming is that many of the refugees are children. The reality is that these children have no choice but to go with the flow since their innocence wouldn’t really help them.
One of the countries that significantly adds to the refugee population is Syria. The security situation in the country is extremely dangerous due to military conflict, high levels of violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. No wonder people are forced or choose to flee.
The idea of being a refugee is already inconceivable. What more if you’ve known about the challenges that children refugees face growing up as one? To give you an idea, here are those challenges:
- They Have Limited Access to Quality Education
Education can be the cure for children to succeed in life. However, access to quality education is one of the main challenges of being a refugee. In fact, UNICEF states that refugee children are five times more likely to be out of school than other children, often because of school safety, language barriers, and financial difficulties.
This is true for Syrian children refugees. They can’t access quality education because of their emotional trauma from the situation, leaving them unprepared to enter a formal classroom. It’s also because some of the children end up in child labor to help their own families.
- Their Mental Health and Childhood Will Be Compromised
Another sad reality for Syrian children refugees is that they may experience emotional and mental trauma, leading to compromised mental health and lost childhood. As you know, forced migration is traumatizing enough for anyone. What more if a child experiences it. It will definitely take a toll on their mental health, which may leave them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- They Will Be Separated from Their Families
Many children refugees who were rescued are unaccompanied because they were separated from their families. In fact, according to UNICEF’s latest estimates, at least 3,000 unaccompanied and separated children were registered in 80 countries over the course of two years.
Separation from families may create a harmful impact on children. They are at double the risk for violence, exploitation, and abuse.
- There’s a Higher Chance That They Will Face Isolation in Their Host Community
Unfortunately, isolation is one of the most common challenges that most refugees face. Aside from the fact that it’s hard for them to adjust to a new country or environment, the community will make it harder for them because of xenophobia and discrimination. Moreover, child refugees have no choice but to accept the fact that it’s hard to rebuild a life or regain a sense of normalcy.
Conclusion
As you can see, the life of refugee children is unimaginable. They are served with the harsh reality of not being able to enjoy life as a child. We have no control over the situation that’s leading to becoming refugees. We can only help them improve their lives by giving them all the help possible. Fortunately, there are organizations that extend help to these children, and you can be part of those organizations.
If you also want to help, you’ve come to the right place! Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations USA (UOSSM USA) is an organization for Syrian refugees providing medical relief, emergency life-saving aids, and quality healthcare to those affected by the crisis. Together, let us help these child refugees. Contact us today to know how you can help!
