Deir-ez-Zor: Governorate Profile Syria - May 2017 SUMMARY The majority of Deir-ez-Zor governorate has been under control of the group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since 2014, leading to extremely limited humanitarian access and a continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in all communities. Joura and Qosour, neighbourhoods within Deir-ez-Zor city held by the Government of Syria (GoS), have been classified as besieged since January 2015, leading to unique and acute vulnerabilities. Since ISIL takeover in 2014, it has been difficult to leave the governorate due to stringent movement restrictions, and inward movement has not been significant. Following the start of the Ar-Raqqa offensive in late 2016, there has been small-scale inward movement primarily from Ar- Raqqa, as well as small-scale intra-governorate displacement. The ongoing Ar-Raqqa offensive has led to anticipation of future displacement into and around the governorate. Key Informants (KIs) reported that future movement primarily depends on the evolution of conflict and whether communities in Deir-ez-Zor are directly affected by ground offensives or airstrikes, as well as changes in current movement restrictions. Across the governorate, deterioration of agricultural productivity and other pre-conflict industry has severely limited livelihood opportunities, undermining the ability of populations to meet basic needs. Overall, 49% of adults were reportedly working, primarily in temporary or daily jobs, and coping strategies such as spending savings, children working and selling household assets were common. Markets were generally functioning, though conflict and movement restrictions resulted in access challenges for much of the population. Furthermore, communities commonly reported a lack of affordability of both food and essential non-food items (NFIs) on markets. In terms of services, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, education and protection stood out as key concerns. Basic WASH and health services were functioning though with extremely limited capacity. Water was obtained through a combination of the main network and through water trucking, though water shortages were common, and many communities faced sanitation issues due to a lack of sufficient and consistent waste management. Similarly, although health facilities were available in most communities, these primarily had limited services. No functioning formal schools were reported and most children did not have access to informal learning opportunities, contributing to the reportedly large proportion of children working (estimated at 46%). In terms of protection, females were particularly vulnerable to protection incidents and risks. Sub-district population and assessed communities of Deir-ez-Zor governorate 1 Total governorate population: 1,097,930 2 Total IDPs: 181,915 2 Total number of communities: 135 Assessed communities: 105 (78% of total) ² T U R K E Y Deir-ez-Zor City Boundary GoS ISIL Deir-ez-Zor 142,680 J O U R A Tabni 67,750 Q O S O U R Contested areas Besieged areas Kisreh 90,990 Deir-ez-Zor City Muhasan 29,940 Al Mayadin 132,400 Abu Kamal 114,350 Khasham 62,300 Ashara 113,400 Assessed communities Unassessed communities Jalaa 28,800 Basira 43,570 Thiban 76,900 Rivers Main roads J O R D A N Sur 38,450 Hajin 81,000 Susat 75,400 Kms 0 5 10 20 30 Within the besieged neighbourhoods of Joura and Qosour, deterioration has been particularly acute and the situation across all sectors was severe. Residents faced a lack of food and core NFI items in markets due to restrictions on entry of both goods and people. Further, in Joura and Qosour there was a reported dependence on untreated drinking water sources, a lack of medicine and medical equipment, no functioning formal schools and heavy damage to parts of the city. 1. No large influx of IDPs or refugees has been observed in Deir-ez-Zor since ISIL takeover or the commencement of the Ar-Raqqa offensive in late 2016; were this to happen, the situation of these populations would need to be reassessed. 2. Population figures from the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) 2017. Note that the HNO 2017 figures stated were collected during 2016; recent reports from KIs residing in Al Mayadin and Abu Kamal towns indicate that each may currently have up to 100,000 people living in them.
KEY SECTORAL FINDINGS Sector Deir-ez-Zor governorate Deir-ez-Zor city besieged area (Joura and Qosour neighbourhoods) Food security Livelihoods Shelter NFIs WASH Health Education Markets were functioning in most communities with food available, though 51% of communities faced access challenges primarily due to safety and security concerns Basic food items were unavailable in 13-20% of communities assessed, whilst prices were reportedly unaffordable in 28-50% of communities. 76% of communities reported that people used coping strategies to deal with a lack of food, most commonly reducing meal size and selling productive assets. Food assistance was not available to people in the governorate. Livelihoods opportunities have declined sharply since the beginning of the crisis, with few jobs available and low wages commonly reported across the governorate. Only 49% of adults were reportedly working, primarily in temporary or daily/casual jobs. Income and produce from agriculture were the primary source of meeting basic needs, with reduced productivity since ISIL takeover. Coping strategies were most commonly reported as spending savings, sending children to work, and selling household assets such as furniture and jewellery. The majority of the population lived in houses or apartments, though some have been living in collective centres since before ISIL arrived (approximately 16,000). Almost half of households were estimated to have suffered damage to their shelters, typically as a result of either conflict (airstrikes/explosives) or general disrepair. Although NFIs were typically available, 47% of households were estimated to face challenges to accessing markets and items were often unaffordable. The majority of households had some electricity through generators, though supply was commonly inconsistent. The vast majority of households were estimated to resort to coping strategies to deal with a lack of fuel, such as changing diet to prefer food that did not require cooking and reducing expenditure on other items to pay for fuel. Water was reportedly obtained through a combination of the network and water trucking. Issues with water were reported in more than half of communities, mostly bad taste or colour. Communities primarily reported that access was intermittent. 89% of communities reported that households commonly used coping strategies to deal with a lack of water, including modifying hygiene practices and reducing drinking water consumption. Sanitation was reported as a key issue, with a lack of sufficient and consistent waste management in many communities resulting in flooding and garbage in the streets. Health facilities were available in the majority of communities, but these primarily had limited services. All communities reported facing barriers to accessing healthcare due to the decline in facilities, services, medicine and equipment available. No functioning formal schools issuing recognised certification were reported, and alternative learning centres were rare. In locations with some form of functioning educational centre, safety and security issues whilst travelling as well as a lack of recognised certification were reported as barriers. Due to access restrictions and security issues, few markets were functioning and accessible. Food in markets was scarce with few items available for purchase and prohibitively expensive when available. A wide range of coping strategies were commonly used, including extreme strategies such as eating food waste or non-food plants. Airdrops have delivered some food, but rations were reportedly commonly unable to meet the level of need or evenly target those in need. Livelihood opportunities have declined due to the extremely unstable security situation. The main sources of meeting basic needs were petty trading, food aid and reliance on assistance. Coping strategies employed included selling both non-productive and productive assets, reducing food intake and non-food expenditure, sending children to work and borrowing money. No camps or collective centres were reported. Most of the population lived in houses or apartments. Heavy damage has affected parts of the city which are completely destroyed. The most-needed shelter items were reportedly iron sheeting, plastic sheeting and timber. Many core NFIs were unavailable in markets. Access to electricity was highly limited, with just 20% of the population having access, largely due to a lack of fuel to power generators. Multiple coping strategies were used to deal with a lack of fuel including extreme strategies such as reducing food intake and sending children to work. The main source of water was untreated water from the surface of the Euphrates river, which has reportedly caused sickness after drinking. Water shortages were common, and coping strategies included reducing drinking water consumption, as well as modifying hygiene practices and drinking water meant for purposes other than drinking. Sanitation issues were prevalent and included garbage, sewage and flooding in the streets, and rats and other pests contaminating food. Informal emergency care was the only service consistently available and accessible since June 2016. Most people treated themselves at home and did not have access to basic medicine or medical supplies. Basic medical equipment and medicine were extremely scarce. There were reportedly no functioning educational spaces for children remaining in the besieged neighbourhoods. Facilities were reportedly damaged and there were insufficient numbers of qualified teachers willing to teach. 2
INTRODUCTION Since the group known as ISIL took control in 2014, ongoing conflict and insecurity across Deir-ez-Zor have limited access to the governorate, undermining the ability of humanitarian actors to respond to and identify needs and vulnerabilities of populations. The situation is particularly challenging in Joura and Qosour neighbourhoods, in Deir-ez-Zor city, which have been classified as besieged since 2015. The current offensive in Ar-Raqqa governorate has led to anticipation of further displacement an escalation of conflict within Deir-ez-Zor. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation within the governorate has continued to deteriorate. This assessment aims to provide a baseline of sectoral information to inform humanitarian actors and allow ongoing monitoring of the situation. METHODOLOGY A combination of data sources are used, primarily: a) Primary data collection conducted between 1 and 4 May 2017 through Syria Relief Network (SRN) and REACH networks across Deir-ez-Zor, comprising interviews with 30 Key Informants (KIs) across the governorate about the situation in 105 of 135 communities. Findings are specific to communities assessed and cannot be generalized further (see Map 1). b) Secondary data sources including CCCM IDP tracking, REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment of shelter and NFIs in north Syria, and REACH ongoing monitoring of besieged and hard to reach areas (Community Profiles). Findings are specific to communities assessed and cannot be generalized further. Information on besieged neighbourhoods of Deir-ez-Zor city is presented separately throughout. DEMOGRAPHICS The majority of the population live in towns and villages along the Euphrates river. The largest urban centres are Deir-ez-Zor city (with an estimated 122,000 inhabitants), which has seen an outflux of population since the beginning of the crisis, Al Mayadin (68,000) and Abu Kamal (39,000). 3 Most communities (76%) have an estimated population of fewer than 10,000 people. Overall, there were estimated to be more females than males in the governorate. Males were more likely to have left in search of livelihood opportunities with the intention to send back remittances and also to avoid the risk of conscription. KIs also reported a higher proportion of women and children in areas outside of Deir-ez- Zor city, who had moved in search of relative safety. Finally, children under 18 were estimated to comprise over 50% of the population, leading to a high dependency ratio. Age breakdown 4 Gender breakdown 4 0-5 6-17 18-59 60+ 21% 34% 40% 5% 21+34+40+5 Male 40% Female 60% Average household size: 7 people MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS Since ISIL takeover in 2014, civilians have not been formally allowed to move outside the wider ISIL-controlled area (from north-west Iraq to Aleppo governorate), though some were using informal routes to leave the area. Ar-Raqqa offensive: Since the beginning of the offensive in late 2016, the detection and closure of informal routes has increased the difficulty of exiting ISIL-controlled areas. As such, informal movement has rarely been attempted over the past two months. Movement between communities: Movement between communities in the wider ISILcontrolled area was generally permitted, although movement from some communities inside Deir-ez-Zor governorate was intermittently prohibited. These restrictions were reportedly usually temporary and imposed unpredictably. Risks: Numerous risks have been reported when moving between communities, such as harassment and detention of civilians at checkpoints, including based on family affiliation. Women were prohibited from travelling without a male relative and commonly faced intense questioning or harassment even when accompanied. Besieged neighbourhoods: In Joura and Qosour, civilians have faced movement restrictions since January 2015. At the time of the assessment, populations could move between the two neighbourhoods, though with the risk of detention and conscription. 3 3. The HNO 2017 figures stated were collected during 2016; recent reports from KIs residing in Al Mayadin and Abu Kamal towns indicate that each may currently have up to 100,000 people living in them. 4. Estimated by KIs at the community level and aggregated to the governorate level.
DISPLACEMENT Displacement patterns 5 Since the start of the conflict, displacement out of Deir-ez-Zor governorate has been limited, with approximately 75% of the pre-conflict population estimated as remaining in the majority of communities. However, many civilians left Deir-ez-Zor city to surrounding villages due to ongoing conflict, and, since the start of the Ar-Raqqa offensive in late 2016, small inward movements of people from Ar-Raqqa governorate, as well as intra-governorate displacement, have been observed (see Map on following page). Pattern 1: Arrivals from Ar-Raqqa governorate Approximately 2,500-3,000 IDPs from Ar-Raqqa governorate are estimated to have arrived in Deir-ez-Zor governorate between January and April 2017, primarily from Ar-Raqqa sub-district. Movement increased in late March, coinciding with the escalation of the Ar-Raqqa offensive and movement of the frontline southwards towards Ar-Raqqa city. Most either went to Al Mayadin (1,000-1,250 internally displaced persons) or Abu Kamal towns (820-980 IDPs), with smaller movement to other communities. Pattern 2: Displacements within Deir-ez-Zor governorate Movement of approximately 2,500 people has been observed within the governorate since the start of 2017. This has mostly occurred within Deir-ez-Zor district, though destinations have not been heavily concentrated in any particular sub-districts or communities; such movement has been common since the ISIL takeover to avoid conflict escalation in particular areas. Intentions Overall, movement intentions remain unclear and dependent on future conflict escalation, movement restrictions and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Further, protection of assets and family ties remain key barriers to movement, leading to a general preference and willingness to stay in current locations. Overall, outward movement in the next month was reportedly preferred in 39% of communities assessed. 6 In these communities, KIs estimated that 20-40% of the population would prefer to leave in the next month, favouring locations outside of Syria, although the feasibility of reaching intended destinations was not assessed. Proportion of communities reporting preference to leave in the next month 17+39+44+A 17% reported that people do not prefer to leave 39% estimated that 20-40% of people would prefer to leave 44% were unsure as to whether people would leave Top 5 most commonly reported trigger events that would cause movement (all communities): Start of ground incursion nearby 85% Aerial bombardment nearby 70% Opening of safe passages elsewhere 30% Health facilities stop functioning 28% Destruction of home 26% 85+70+30+28+26 Preferred destinations (of the 39% of communities reporting that people would prefer to leave): Move outside of Syria 43% Move to a different governorate 7 22% Not sure 18% Move elsewhere in the governorate 16% Move elsewhere in the community 1% 43+22+18+16+1 Top 5 most commonly reported reasons for preferring to remain (all communities): Family ties 78% Not permitted to leave 67% Protection of assets 57% Lack of safe routes elsewhere 50% Lack of money to pay for movement 21% 78+67+57+50+21 4 5. CCCM IDP Situation Monitoring Initiative (ISMI) data triangulated with UNHCR Flash Updates and CCCM IDP Tracking. 6. Stated preference to leave may not necessarily translate to actual movement, due to a number of factors including feasibility of movement and changing preferences. 7. Idleb (10%), Aleppo (8%), Ar-Raqqa (3%), Damascus (2%).
Identified displacement trends in Deir-ez-Zor governorate, 1 January - 4 May 2017 EI N ISSA SULUK 2) Movement within Deir-ez-Zor governorate ² JURNEYYEH AL- THAWRAH MANSURA AR- RAQQA A R - R A Q Q A Pattern 1: Arrivals from Ar-Raqqa governorate External displacement Pattern 2: Displacements within Deir-ez-Zor governorate Displacement to other subdistricts Displacement within the subdistrict SABKA KARAMA MAADAN TABNI DEI R- EZ- ZOR Movement of approximately 2,500 people has been observed within the governorate since the start of 2017; with up to 400 people moving each week. KI SREH 200-220 180-200 180-200 KHASHAM D E I R - E Z - Z O R A L - H A S A K E H 240-260 BASI RA 280-300 SUR Outward movement Movement restrictions prevented large-scale outward movement, though up to 800 people were estimated to have left communities in Deir-ez-Zor with intentions to go to Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hasakeh and Homs governorates. It was not possible to verify whether all of these people reached their intended destinations. Subdistricts of displacement MUHASAN THI BAN Subdistricts T U R K E Y H O M S 1,000-1,250 AL MAYADIN ASHARA HAJ I N 1) Arrivals from Ar-Raqqa governorate JALAA Approximately 2,500-3,000 IDPs from Ar- Raqqa governorate have arrived in Deirez-Zor governorate since the start of 2017, primarily from Ar-Raqqa sub-district. 800-1,000 ABU KAMAL SUSAT J O R D A N Kms 0 12.5 25 50 5
HUMANITARIAN SITUATION FOOD Food markets were generally functioning with goods largely coming from Iraq. However, over 50% of communities reported challenges to accessing markets, largely due to safety and security concerns. Further, even if functioning, 84% of communities reported issues with markets, including limited functionality and lack of availability and affordability of goods. Basic food items were unavailable in up to a fifth of assessed communities, and were prohibitively unaffordable in 28-50% of communities. To deal with a lack of food, 76% of communities reported that people use coping strategies, including reducing meal sizes and selling productive and non productive assets. Finally, accessing bread was challenging primarily due to reduced functionality of bakeries, linked with damaged buildings and equipment, as well as a lack of fuel and electricity for generators. As a result, most communities relied on homemade bread, with bakeries a secondary source. Basic food consumption Rice was the most commonly reported staple food across the governorate, followed by bread and wheat flour. Many communities faced food availability and affordability barriers. Proportion of communities reporting barriers to accessing basic food items: Rice Sugar Cooking oil Flour Bread Lentils 20% 19% 18% 17% 16% 13% 36% 39% 48% 50% 40% 28% 44% 42% 34% 32% 44% 59% Lack of availabliity Lack of affordability No issue Coping strategies KIs in 76% of communities reported that people used coping strategies to deal with a lack of food, most commonly reducing meal size and selling productive assets. Top 3 most common coping strategies to deal with a lack of food (% of communities reporting each): Reducing meal size 43% Selling productive assets 31% Selling non-productive assets 22% 43+31+22+ Food sources and markets Food markets were the most common source of food, followed by local agriculture. Supply routes from Iraq were in operation, with the largest markets in Abu Kamal and Al Mayadin, though challenges to access were commonly reported across the governorate. Top 5 means of accessing food (% of communities reporting each): Markets 88% Farming / self-production 72% Stores 32% Gifts from family and friends 16% Borrowing 15% Top 3 challenges to accessing food markets (% of communities reporting each): Safety / security restricting movement to markets 38% Safety / security concerns at markets 31% Markets not functioning at times of conflict 21% 38+31+21 Food market functionality: communities facing issues with markets A r - R a q q a Kisreh 88+72+32+16+15 A l - H a s a k e h Tabni Sur Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Basira D e i r - e z - Z o r Muhasan Thiban Al Mayadin Hajin Are markets functioning in the Ashara commuity? Markets are not functioning Jalaa Markets are functioning but with Susat problems Abu Kamal Markets are functioning Not assessed 6
Bread Overall, most communities faced challenges to accessing bread and relied primarily on homemade bread. This was primarily due to the reduced functionality of bakeries, as a result of damage to buildings and equipment, and a lack of fuel that limited the use of generators necessary to power bakeries. Bakeries were least likely to be functioning in Susat, Abu Kamal, Sur and Tabni sub-districts. Proportion of communities with functioning bakeries: 20% functioning with sufficient supplies 49% functioning without providing enough bread 31% not functioning. 20+49+31+A A r - R a q q a Tabni Are bakeries/shops selling bread functioning in the community? No No, bakeries were not present even before the conflict Yes, but with insufficient amounts of bread Yes, with sufficient amounts of bread Not assessed Bakery functionality per community Kisreh A l - H a s a k e h Sur Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Basira D e i r - e z - Z o r Muhasan Thiban Al Mayadin Hajin Ashara Jalaa Susat Abu Kamal Top 5 most commonly reported reasons for bakeries not functioning (% of communities reporting each): Building / equipment damaged 39% Electricity / fuel expensive or hard to access 33% Not enough electricity / fuel available 32% Flour expensive or hard to access 17% Flour unavailable 13% Most common source of bread in assessed communities: 59% Homemade 26% Private bakeries 10% Public bakeries 5% Other 59+26+10+5A 39+33+32+17+13 Food: Joura and Qosour The food situation in the besieged neighbourhoods of Deir-ez-Zor city has been critical for many months. People obtained food in these neighbourhoods primarily through assistance which arrived through humanitarian airdrops, as well as bartering for the scarce commodities available. Food rations delivered by airdrops were reportedly insufficient to meet needs and commonly not distributed fairly. Food in markets was reportedly scarce, and when available, of poor quality. In March, the only remaining core food items in markets were bread from public bakeries (600 SYP; 1.17 USD), bulgur (3,500 SYP per kg; 6.81 USD), eggs (500 SYP each; 0.97 USD), salt (500 SYP per kg; 0.97 USD) and cooking oil (9000 SYP per litre; 17.51 USD). 8 All items were reportedly prohibitively expensive. Some bread was available from public bakeries, though there were frequent shortages due to the scarcity and expense of flour, yeast and fuel. A wide range of coping strategies were used. Almost all households reportedly reduced meal size and sold productive assets. The extreme coping strategies of going days without eating and eating food waste or plants were also reportedly in use in these neighbourhoods. 7 8. Exchange rate used is UN Operational Rates of Exchange which has been $1 = 514 SYP since September 2016.
LIVELIHOODS Livelihoods have been severely affected by ongoing conflict. Agricultural trade, the most common source of income pre-conflict, has been hindered by lower availability of seeds and other inputs and a reduction of subsidies, as well as pollution caused by over-extraction of petroleum in the area, particularly since ISIL takeover. As a result, all communities reported barriers to accessing livelihoods. Household income was estimated as 55,872 SYP (109 USD) per month in November 2016, lower than the average household debt burden of 74,456 SYP (145 USD). Households were reportedly resorting to a number of coping strategies, including spending savings, sending children to work and selling household assets and jewelery. Livelihoods sources 49% of adults were estimated to be working, primarily in temporary or daily / casual labour jobs. 9 Top 5 most commonly reported sources of income (% of communities reporting each) Food crop production 75% Livestock products 61% Sale of livestock 45% Waged labour 39% Loans and remittances / in-kind gifts 34% 75+62+45+39+34 Livelihoods barriers All communities reported barriers to accessing livelihoods sources, primarily due to a lack of employment opportunities. Top 5 most commonly reported livelihoods barriers (% of communities reporting each): Lack of general employment opportunities 74% Low wages 54% Lack of appropriate employment opportunities 44% Security situation in the community 43% Restrictions by authorities 20% 74+54+44+43+20 Income and debt 10 The estimated average household income in November 2016 was 55,872 SYP 10 (109 USD). To cope with a lack of income, households were most commonly spending savings (reported by 71% of KIs), sending children to work (49%), and selling household assets such as furniture and jewelery (32%). Average monthly income was lower than the average household debt burden at 74,456 SYP 10 ($145). Access to cash Over the past three months, access to cash has reduced in certain locations, particularly around Sur, Basira, Khasham and Kisreh sub-districts. Proportion of communities reporting changes to access to cash: 37% no change over the past three months 19% access decreased for some people 44% access decreased for most people 37+19+44+A Livelihoods: Joura and Qosour Livelihoods opportunities have been affected by the extremely unstable security situation. The main sources of meeting basic needs were petty trading, food aid and reliance on assistance. Coping strategies included selling productive and non-productive assets, reducing food intake and non-food expenditure, sending children to work and borrowing money. 9 Reported barriers to livelihoods were general lack of employment opportunities, insecurity, lack of resources needed to work (e.g. water for agriculture), restrictions by local authorities and discrimination in job provision. 8 9. Based on data from the REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment conducted in November 2016. 10. Exchange rate used is UN Operational Rates of Exchange which has been $1 = 514 SYP since September 2016.
SHELTER The majority of the population were reportedly living in houses or apartments, and informal settlements were uncommon due to ISIL policy of allocating unoccupied homes to displaced persons. Nevertheless, small numbers have lived in collective centres since before ISIL, and recent displacement due to the Ar-Raqqa offensive have caused small numbers of IDPs to move to informal settlements in Al Mayadin. Almost half of all households were reported to have suffered damage to their shelters, primarily due to conflict and general disrepair. 36% of households reported adequacy issues, including a lack of suitability for winter conditions. This has led to high reported need of shelter items, such as concrete and basic electrical items, which were generally unaffordable even when available. Informal settlements There were reportedly eight tented settlements in Deir-ez-Zor governorate (see Map below) in Al Mayadin sub-district at the time of the assessment, hosting an estimated 250-300 people. Many arrived from Ar-Raqqa governorate following conflict escalation. Whilst some have lived in these settlements since before ISIL takeover, others were newly established and, at the time of data collection, it was unclear if they would remain. Location of informal settlements and population in Deir-ez-Zor governorate A r - R a q q a Ta bn i Dei r-e z-z o r Number of camps in the community 0 1 7 Not assessed/not sure Number of IDPs living in camps in the sub-district 0 11-100 1-10 101-277 Ki s reh D e i r - e z - Z o r Muh a sa n A l - H a s a k e h Su r Kh a sh a m Ba s ira Th i ba n Al M ay ad i n (27 7 ) Haj i n As h ara Ja la a Su s at Ab u Kam al Collective centres There were a total of 196 collective centres (CCs) reported in 49 assessed communities (47%) and most heavily concentrated in Al Mayadin, Thiban, Abu Kamal, Susat, Ashara and Khasham. The total estimated population living in these collective shelters was 15,979 people, with the largest numbers in Ashara and Al Mayadin sub-districts. Most have been occupied since before ISIL takeover and were managed by the inhabitants. Collective centre building types were most commonly schools (reported in 96% of communities with collective shelters), government buildings (27%), agricultural buildings (14%) and residential buildings (4%). A r - R a q q a ( Ta bn i (15 1 ) ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( Dei r-e z-z o r ( Number of collective centres in the community 0 1-5 ( Not assessed/not sure Number of IDPs living in collective centres in the sub-district 0-350 351-1,500 Location of collective centres and population in Deir-ez-Zor governorate 6-10 11-14 ( 1,501-4,500 4,501-6,979 ( Ki s reh (98 ) D e i r - e z - Z o r Muh a sa n (68 6 ) ( A l - H a s a k e h ( ( Su r ( (32 0 ) Kh a sh a m ( ( ( ( (90 9 ) Ba s ira (97 1 ) Th i ba n ( (1,4 6 0) ( Al M ay ad i n ( (2,9 8 4) ( ( ( ( Haj i n As h ara ( (10 3 ) (6,9 7 9) Ja la a ( (72 ) Su s at Ab u Kam al (58 1 ) (36 5 ) Sub-district Abu Kamal Al Mayadin Ashara Basira Deir-ez-Zor Hajin Jalaa Khasham Kisreh Muhasan Sur Susat Tabni Thiban Total CCs 23 45 19 8 0 5 4 18 3 11 8 22 6 24 9
Damage and adequacy In November 2016, 36% of households were estimated to have adequacy issues, primarily regarding a lack of suitability of shelter for winter conditions. 11 Top 5 shelter adequacy issues (% of communities reporting each issue of the 36% reporting issues): Leaking during rain 75% Lack of insulation from cold 67% Lack of heating 31% Lack of privacy in shelter 30% Lack of lighting 12% 75+67+31+30+12 46% of households across the governorate were estimated to have some form of shelter damage, primarily caused by conflict (airstrikes/explosives) and general disrepair: 11 Top 5 shelter damage issues (% of communities reporting each issue of the 46% reporting damage issues): Broken or cracked windows 92% Doors unable to shut properly 62% Gaps or cracks in roof 61% Some cracks in some walls 46% Large cracks in most walls 44% 92+62+61+46+44 Needed shelter items Overall, 79% of communities reported that they needed some form of shelter item. The most commonly reported need was basic electrical items such as wires, sockets and plugs. Although these items were reportedly commonly available, they were often unaffordable for households given other priority expenditures. Concrete was also commonly needed, as it was reportedly difficult to obtain and expensive where available. Needed shelter items (% of communities reporting each): Basic electrical items 75% Concrete 62% Basic tools 20% Timber 20% Plastic sheets/tarpaulin 20% Iron sheeting 15% Bricks 10% Nails and screws 9% 75+62+20+20+20+15+10+9 Overcrowding in houses did not appear to be a key issue in the majority of the governorate, with the exception of in Deir-ez-Zor, Ashara and Kisreh sub-districts where more than 40% of communities indicated that more than half of households were overcrowded. Proportion of communities reporting overcrowding: 48+24+8+17+3+A 49% a few or no households 24% less than half of households 8% around half of households 17% more than half of households 3% all or almost all households Shelter: Joura and Qosour Most of the population were reportedly living in houses or apartments. No camps or collective centres were reported in these neighbourhoods. Some parts of the city were heavily damaged or completely destroyed. A quarter of households reportedly face shelter adequacy issues, such as lack of insulation, heating, lighting and waterproofing. The most-needed shelter items were iron sheeting, plastic sheeting and timber. 10 11. Based on data from the REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment conducted in November 2016; in which KIs estimated the proportion of households affected by adequacy and damage, and then detailed the most common issues.
NFIs Markets were generally functioning across the governorate due to supply routes between Abu Kamal and Iraq. However, 47% of communities reported barriers to market access, primarily due to insecurity. Unaffordability of non-food items (NFIs) was also a key issue across assessed communities. Fuel and batteries were highlighted as items most difficult to access. Fuel shortages are common, resulting in 98% of households adopting coping strategies, including changing diet to prefer food that does not require cooking as well as reducing expenditure on other items to pay for fuel. Kerosene, as well as wood and charcoal, were the most commonly used sources of fuel for both cooking and heating. In almost all communities (96%), generators were the primary source of electricity, while the main network was reported to provide very limited supply even when functioning. Fuel 12 Shortages were common and 98% of households were estimated to have resorted to coping strategies, most commonly changing diet to prefer food that did not require cooking and reducing expenditure on other items to pay for fuel. Most common source of cooking fuel Most common source of heating fuel (% of households reporting each): (% of households reporting each): 59% Kerosene 68% Kerosene 23% Wood / charcoal 24% Wood / charcoal 11% Gas 6% Electricity 7% Electricity 2% No source 59+23+11+7A 68+24+6+2A NFIs: Joura and Qosour Most core NFIs were unavailable in markets, including bathing, dishwashing and laundry soap, adult and child diapers and sanitary pads. Access to electricity was highly limited, with the network unavailable due to damage. Only 20% of the population had any access to electricity from generators, due to fuel shortages. The main source of cooking fuel was wood or charcoal. Coping strategies to deal with the scarcity of fuel included shifting diets towards foods that required less cooking and burning plastics, clothes, waste and assets. Access to NFIs Across the governorate, 47% of households were estimated to face challenges accessing non-food items in markets, largely due to insecurity across the area. Heating fuel Cooking fuel Batteries Sources of light Winter blankets Winter shoes Baby diapers Adult diapers Winter clothes Disposable diapers Winter heaters Water containers Sanitary pads Shoes Bedding items Clothing Soap Washing powder Detergent (for dishes) Cleaning liquid (for house) Mattresses/Sleeping mats Cooking utensils Proportion of communities reporting NFIs unavailable or unaffordable: 12% 9% 2% 26% 5% 1% 7% 11% 1% 6% 7% 6% 9% 1% 6% 1% 9% 42% 43% 14% 31% 33% 27% 22% 31% 21% 19% 15% 12% 20% 13% 19% 16% 16% 14% 13% 11% 49% 39% 50% 55% 60% 64% 66% 67% 67% 68% 73% 74% 79% 79% 80% 81% 81% 84% 84% 85% 87% 88% 91% Unavailable Unaffordable Available Electricity Generators were the primary source of electricity in 75% of communities, whilst the main network was the primary source used elsewhere. 12 Top 5 reported barriers to accessing electricity (% of communities reporting each): Electricity too expensive 50% Fuel for generator too expensive 49% Main network in general disrepair 41% Main network damaged 18% Not enough fuel for generators 17% 50+49+41+18+17 11 12. Based on data from the REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment conducted in November 2016.
WASH The majority of the governorate was reportedly connected to the main water network. However, supply was insufficient and, at the time of assessment, supplemented by water trucking. In addition, less than half of households reported that water was safe to drink. In November 2016, only 23% of assessed communities reported that households regularly had sufficient water, with frequent reports of intermittent access, depending on the community. Further, 89% of households had adopted coping strategies, including modifying bathing practices and reducing drinking water consumption. Sanitation was also a key concern due to a lack of sufficient and consistent waste management. 90% of communities reported sanitation problems, such as garbage in streets and flooding. Finally, in a quarter of communities assessed, 30% of residents either had latrines which were partially functional only or no facilities at all. Access to water The main network and water trucking were the most common sources of water, used by about half of communities each, with a small number using free neighbourhood boreholes. Primary sources of drinking water (% of communities reporting each): Main network 49% Water trucking 47% Free neighbourhood boreholes 4% 49+47+4 Most common source of water by community Water sufficiency and coping strategies 13 Communities reported that access was intermittent, and changed depending on the situation in the area. Water sufficiency and access (% of communities reporting each): 23+66+11A23% Nearly everyone has enough water to meet needs 66% Access intermittent depending on circumstances 11% Nearly everyone has insufficient water to meet needs 89% of households were estimated to use coping strategies to deal with a lack of water. Strategies used to cope with a lack of water (% of communities reporting each): Modify hygiene practices (e.g. bathe less) 44% Reduce drinking water consumption 24% Spend money usually used for other things to buy water 11% Borrow water or receive water on credit 9% Drink water usually used for cleaning or other purposes 5% 44+24+11+9+5 A r - R a q q a Kisreh A l - H a s a k e h Tabni Sur Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Basira D e i r - e z - Z o r Muhasan Thiban Al Mayadin Hajin What is the most common source Ashara of drinking water in the community? Jalaa Main network Susat Water trucking Abu Kamal Free neighbourhood borehole Not assessed 12 13. Based on data from the REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment conducted in November 2016.
Quality of water More than half of assessed communities faced problems with their main source of water, with only 47% of communities reporting that water was safe to drink. 14 Problems with water (% of communities reporting each): Water tastes bad 40% Water has a bad colour 36% Water smells bad 22% People get sick after drinking the water 1% Sanitation 90% of assessed communities reported experiencing problems with sanitation, due to a lack of sufficient and consistent waste management services across the governorate. Top 5 sanitation problems (% of communities reporting each): Latrine and bathing facilities 15 In November 2016, 25% of communities reported that up to 15% of households did not have access to bathing facilities. Similarly, 27% of communities reported that about 15% of households did not have access to fully functioning latrine facilities, meaning there were issues with facilities used. 13 Garbage in the streets 60% Flooding in the streets 35% Rats and pests contaminating people and food 18% Open defecation 11% Sewage flowing onto the streets 10% 40+36+22+1 60+35+18+11+10 Proportion of communities with access to functioning bathing facilities: 75+25A75% Everyone or nearly everyone has access 25% Some households (up to 15%) do not have access Proportion of communities with access to functioning latrines: 73+27A73% Everyone or nearly everyone has access 27% Some households (up to 15%) do not have access 14. Self-reported by households and not based on water testing. 15. Based on data from the REACH/SNFI Cluster assessment conducted in November 2016. WASH: Joura and Qosour WASH was a key concern in the besieged neighbourhoods due to a lack of a consistent and safe supply of drinking water, with shortages prevalent. The main source of water was untreated water from the Euphrates river, which reportedly had a bad taste, smell and colour and caused sickness after drinking. Residents reportedly coped with a lack of water by modifying hygiene practices, reducing drinking water consumption and drinking non-potable water. These neighbourhoods faced multiple sanitation challenges, with garbage, sewage and flooding in the streets, and rats and other pests contaminating food. EDUCATION There have been no functioning formal schools issuing recognised certification since the ISIL takeover. ISIL attempted to establish an alternative schooling system. However, it was unpopular and led to widespread non-attendance. While some children learned at home or received informal learning from other community members, significant barriers to education were reported, even where informal community learning opportunities existed. Main barriers included lack of safety and security while travelling to access informal learning, as well as lack of certification. Lack of educational opportunities may be a contributing factor to the estimated 46% of children working across the governorate. There were no functioning formal schools in Deir-ez-Zor countryside or in Deir-ez-Zor city. Top 4 barriers to school attendance (% of communities reporting each): Educational centres closed 68% Travel unsafe due to security situation 28% Lack of recognised certification 27% Damaged school facilities 16% 68+28+27+16 Education: Joura and Qosour There were no functioning educational facilities in these neighbourhoods. Facilities were reportedly damaged and there were insufficient numbers of qualified teachers willing to teach. In addition, children were often required to work.
PROTECTION Serious protection concerns were reported in 69% of communities; most commonly, family separation, forced/early marriage and forced recruitment. Children: In 89% of communities, children (individuals under the age of 18) were reported to be subject to protection risks. These risks included a lack of education opportunities, general violence and recruitment by armed groups (AGs). An estimated 46% of children in affected communities were working. Women: Women faced specific vulnerabilities, with movement through checkpoints requiring the accompaniment of a male relative, which also affected access to services. Protection situations: general 69% of communities reported that protection situations had occurred in the past month, whilst 20% were not sure and 11% reported that situations had not occurred. Reported prevalence of protection situations in the past month A r - R a q q a Kisreh A l - H a s a k e h Tabni Sur Deir-ez-Zor Khasham Basira D e i r - e z - Z o r Muhasan Thiban Types of protection issues Al Mayadin that have occurred in the last month? Hajin Ashara No situations 1 type of situation Jalaa 2 types of situations Susat 3 types of situations Abu Kamal 4 types of situations Not assessed Main protection concerns (% of communities reporting each): Family separation 54% Forced and early marriage 41% Forced recruitment by AGs 38% Domestic violence 16% Inter-communal disputes 10% Protection situations: women Protection issues specific to women were reported as having occurred in the past month in all communities assessed. Protection situations affecting women in the past month (% of communities reporting each): Movement restrictions 98% Violence against women 61% Restrictions preventing service access 49% 98+61+49 Protection situations: children 89% of communities reported issues specific to children. In 10% of communities, KIs were unsure as to whether child protection issues had been faced, whilst 1% were unsure. Protection situations affecting children in the past month (% of communities reporting each): Children working 67% Violence against children 44% Forced recruitment by AGs 41% Psychological trauma 39% Risks from general security situation 19% Missing / separated children 5% 67+44+41+39+19+5 IDP-host community relations In all communities assessed, it was reported that there were no major tensions between IDPs and host communities and that relations had not changed over the past month. KIs indicated that this was because there had not been a significant influx of IDPs into the area. As such, changes in prices of goods and access to services were not attributed to IDP presence or movements. Protection: Joura and Qosour Multiple severe protection risks existed in these neighbourhoods, including forced recruitment into armed groups, kidnapping and harassment and sexual violence against women. The most prevalent child protection challenges were violence against children, separation of children from families and dangers from landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 14
HEALTH Although the majority of communities reported having access to health facilities (74%), these were primarily private clinics with limited services, such as basic emergency and obstetric care. Surgery and treatment for chronic diseases were reported as priority needs. All communities reported barriers to accessing health care, largely due to deterioration of facilities and a lack of medicine. While medical personnel were available, they were often required to perform services outside of their area of expertise. There also were reported cases of doctors with qualifications from other countries being unable to practice due to restrictions imposed by authorities. Available facilities and services 74% of communities reported having some available health facilities. However, these facilities were primarily private clinics and services provided were limited. Types of functioning health facilities (% of communities reporting each): Private clinics 73% Hospitals 68% Informal emergency care 28% Mobile clinics / field hospitals 11% Main available health services 16 (% of communities reporting each): Emergency/obstetric care 75% Outpatient consultations 35% EPI vaccinations 17 26% Inpatient hospitalisation 16% Hygiene promotion 14% Surgical services 11% 75+35+26+16+14+11 73+68+28+11 Most reported needed health services (% of communities reporting each): Surgery 89% Chronic disease treatment 79% Antibiotics 39% Rehabilitation for injured 38% Skilled childbirth care 24% 89+79+39+38+24 Barriers to accessing healthcare All communities reported facing barriers to accessing healthcare, mainly due to the deterioration of facilities and services observed. Top 5 barriers to accessing healthcare (% of communities reporting each): Lack of facilities 64% Lack of medicine / medical items 55% Lack of medical personnel 50% Low quality of healthcare 34% Lack of female doctors 33% 64+55+53+34+33 Health: Joura and Qosour Health facilities and services were extremely limited in Joura and Qosour. The only available hospital was a military hospital, accessible only to very few members of the community. The risk of detention and conscription at this facility deterred some from seeking treatment there. Informal emergency care was the only service consistently available and accessible since June 2016. Most people treated themselves at home and did not have access to basic medicine or medical supplies. Medicine was scarce in the neighbourhoods. There was reportedly a major need for contraception due to the high prevalence of sexual violence, including reported rape. Antibiotics and artificial limbs were reported as particularly needed medical items, and rehabilitation for those who had recently experienced injuries was reportedly a major gap in provision. About SRN SRN is an umbrella of more than 60 Syrian NGOs operating all across Syria, mandated to improve coordination among humanitarian actors in the region through, partnerships, information sharing, needs assessments and capacity building. About REACH REACH facilitates the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. For more information, visit www.reach-initiative.org 15 16. KIs were not sure whether outpatient consultations were available in 28% of communities and whether hygiene promotion was available in 11% of communities. 17. The Word Health Organization s Expanded Program on Immunization seeks to provide vaccinations to all children worldwide.