Attachments
Introduction
Since mid-2017, ongoing conflict has led to displacement from and within Deir-ez-Zor governorate. Throughout 2018, de-escalation of conflict in some parts of the governorate has allowed limited humanitarian access for the first time since 2014. However, there are still significant access and security limitations in all areas of the governorate, and actors face substantial information gaps in terms of the location and priority needs of nondisplaced residents, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In order to address these gaps, REACH has conducted a fourth round of the Deir-ez-Zor Situation Overview, which aims to provide information on the locations and humanitarian needs of the different population groups in the governorate. This follows previous rounds of the assessment in February, April, and June 2018.
Key Findings
• Displacement: Significant displacement has occurred across Deir-ez-Zor, with high numbers of spontaneous returnees reported to be living in all areas and particularly high numbers of IDPs in the West Line and the East Line (see map 1).
• WASH: Water quality issues (including bad smell, taste, and colour) were reported in all assessed areas. Water shortages were reported in the North Line and in the East Line. The high cost of water trucking services was reportedly an issue in the North Line and the East Line.
• Health: Healthcare was among the most commonly reported priority needs across all assessed areas.
Transportation was the most commonly reported barrier to accessing care, especially in areas away from the Euphrates, such as Sur and northern Kisreh, which are far from the nearest hospital. In all assessed areas, women reportedly faced specific barriers to accessing healthcare, with the most commonly reported barriers being related to traveling and the lack of female medical professionals.
• Shelter and NFIs: Rental prices were reported to be rising across the governorate, especially in the West Line. KIs reported that access to electricity was limited, especially in the East Line, the North West, and the South West. Reliance on expensive private generators may also limit access for lowincome households. Of the most commonly reported top NFI needs, a majority were winterisation items. Sources of light and disposable diapers were also commonly reported needs in some areas.
• Livelihoods: Agricultural activities were the most commonly reported source of income, followed by remittances and trade. Common agricultural activities included growing wheat, cotton, and vegetables, as well as raising sheep, cattle, and chickens. Agricultural producers in the governorate have faced significant challenges, which has led to a drop in productivity. Commonly reported challenges included the price and availability of agricultural inputs as well as irrigation issues, which were found to be particularly common in the North Line and the East Line.
• Education: Primary education was reportedly available in most communities except in the East Line.
Intermediary, and secondary education were reportedly much less common. Reported IDP attendance rates were low, including in areas where host community children had good access to education.
• Protection: Protection risks and barriers to movement were most commonly reported in the East Line, where active conflict is ongoing. Additionally, barriers to movement were reported in the North West and South West, largely in relation to safety/security concerns.