Iraqi women refugees: surviving in Syria

Jane Gabriel, 4 December 2008

Subjects:

Arab Region: The Dignity of Women

Iraqi women refugees: surviving in Syria. As the months turn into years, more and more women refugees in Damascus are becoming vulnerable to the human trafficking networks. Listen now

There are believed to be more than three million Iraqi refugees living in Syria: initially allowed in without restriction and treated as guests, they are finding it harder to survive as months turn into years. For the women refugees, often alone or widowed with children, poverty is driving increasing numbers to earn a living through prostitution and ‘muta’ marriages – ‘temporary marriages of pleasure’. Jane Gabriel has been in Damascus to meet Iraqi women refugees and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd who are providing shelter and support. Listen now

Ekhlas Fadem Ali is widowed with two small daughters. She was fortunate to find a place in the shelter run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd when she first arrived in Syria.

Audio file:

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Comments

Nadejda Letat

14 December 2008 - 11:57am

Nadejda Letat

I wonder if George Bush realizes what his invasion of Iraq has done to Iraqi women and children - the most vulnerable members of any culture. But the least Syrian Government can do is to protect these victims of Bush's war! By protecting & treating refugees of war more generously, Syria would be showing up USA for what it is - bully of the world! Don't have to go to war against USA - just shame them! If that is possible?

Nadejda Letat, Melbourne, Australia

Liz Gado (not verified)

29 January 2009 - 5:20pm

I just can't beleive that war is still a word in our dictionary, what have we learned from the past... nothing.

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