THE DEVASTATING CLIMATE CHANGE IN NORTHEAST SYRIA AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN RIGHTS
-
by
darngo
Project Start Date: January 8, 2024
The project, “Destructive Climate Change in Northeast Syria and Its Impact on Human Rights,” aimed to analyze the varied consequences of climate change in Eastern Syria, specifically focusing on the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah. The study covers both the direct and indirect impacts on human rights in the targeted region.
The study identified external causes, such as reduced forest and agricultural areas due to desertification, and internal causes, including unsustainable practices and political factors like neighboring countries’ policies.
The field studies brought to light substantial environmental, social, and human rights impacts. These encompassed a discernible decline in agricultural production, exacerbating existing challenges of poverty within the community. The region experienced heightened water scarcity, placing additional stress on the already strained resources. The consequences extended beyond the ecological realm, contributing to significant internal displacement as communities grappled with the changing environmental conditions.
Within the social fabric, the repercussions were profound. An increase in poverty, exacerbated by reduced agricultural output, intensified the struggle for sustenance among the population. This economic strain was coupled with a surge in school dropout rates, particularly affecting children. The rise in child labor was evident, as economic pressures forced children into employment, a clear violation of their fundamental rights to education and a childhood free from exploitation.
Furthermore, the study identified a disturbing trend of increased cases of underage marriages. This not only violated the rights of young girls but also underscored the dire circumstances in which families found themselves. The escalating instances of exploitation, especially affecting women, became a pervasive issue, further depriving individuals of their basic rights and exacerbating gender-based vulnerabilities within the community.
In essence, the multifaceted consequences of climate change in Eastern Syria manifested in a complex web of environmental degradation, economic hardships, and severe human rights violations, particularly impacting the education, well-being, and rights of children and women.
For more information click here
