Attachments
CONTEXT
Since the start of the Syrian crisis, Menbij district has witnessed periods of heightened clashes and displacement. While there has been a relative decrease in conflict activity over the past two years, humanitarian challenges remain and Menbij still faces a volatile security situation and conflicted control. In addition, years of conflict and damage to key civilian infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and education facilities as well as concern over improvised explosive device and unexploded ordnance (IED/UXO) contamination levels continue to impact the district. Furthermore, a lack of access to sustainable livelihoods opportunities as well as a high proportion of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have affected residents ability to afford key services (i.e. healthcare, water, education), and contextual changes and information gaps have limited humanitarian actors’ capacity to effectively respond. To address these gaps, REACH conducted this assessment in order to inform humanitarian actors of the needs and conditions in Menbij district.
MAIN FINDINGS
Displacement
-
An estimated 96,500 IDPs reportedly resided in the 41 assessed communities in Menbij district, representing approximately 25% of the total population (382,700). The majority of IDPs (80,000) resided in Menbij city including surrounding IDP sites, accounting for 32% of the total population in the city.
-
Key informants (KIs) reported an estimated 580 refugees spontaneously returned from Turkey to Menbij, Abu Qalqal, and Big Mohtaraq communities in October.5
Health
- In 33 (80%) assessed communities, KIs reported that there were no medical facilities functioning in the community. Furthermore, in 30 (73%) of the assessed communities KIs reported that the high cost of transportation was a barrier in accessing healthcare.
Food Security & Livelihoods
-
KIs in the assessed communities reported an average income range between 50,000 to 100,000 SYP.6 In 34 (83%) assessed communities the most commonly reported income source was unstable daily employment.
-
In 36 (88%) of the assessed communities, it was reported that a lack of financial resources to buy available food was the main barrier to accessing enough food in October.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
- In 18 (44%) assessed communities, KIs reported that there was an insufficient amount of water to meet household needs. Furthermore, in 11 (27%) communities it was reported that water from their main source made people sick or tasted/smelled bad.
Education
- All of the assessed communities reported that there were functioning primary schools in the community, however KIs in 32 (78%) assessed communities reported that some children did not attend school due to a lack of school supplies and 30 (73%) reported that some children did not attend due to a lack of teaching staff.
Shelter and non-food items (SNFIs)
- Of the 41 assessed communities, 31 (76%) reported the presence of IDPs hosted without rent. In addition, in Menbij, Big Mohtaraq, Big Hayyeh, and Kherbet Khaled, KIs reported that IDPs most commonly resided in tents.