To effectively and strategically respond to the protection needs of populations across the conflict impacted region, decision makers must determine which vulnerable groups are most in need of humanitarian support and what the factors are that increase and compound their vulnerabilities. Only by understanding the specific vulnerabilities to multiple and multi-faceted risks which result from, and are enhanced by, the ongoing Syrian crisis can an accurate picture of needs be determined, and appropriate prioritization of the most vulnerable in the context of an ever-increasing demand and limited resources.
A desk review of key documents was undertaken from October to December 2013 during which time publicly available data generated through the humanitarian response in the five countries was reviewed7. Background documents, assessments, situation reports, appeal documents, monitoring reports, and emergency plans, and some confidential materials shared directly through interviews and emails, was included. In response to findings from the desk review, vulnerabilities and protection risks were mapped by country, diversity group, and need.
Semi-structured interviews were carried out with key informants (KIs) and focused on understanding stakeholder perceptions of trends in terms of protection issues, pre-existing vulnerabilities and capacities based on age, gender, and diversity dimensions, as well as the emergence of new vulnerabilities created by the conflict. From this, links between pre-existing and conflict-caused vulnerabilities were explored. An understanding of gaps in the inclusion of particularly vulnerable groups in the response was also examined. This brief report summarises the findings of the desk review and KIs.