Lost and Alone- Addressing the Crisis of Unaccompanied and Separated Children in Post-Earthquakes Northwest Syria and Southern Türkiye

This report presents the findings from a unique piece of research conducted by World Vision Syria Response in Northwest Syria (NWS) and Southern Türkiye. It is the first of its kind to specifically explore how the February 2023 earthquakes in the region have impacted unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) and who were separated from their families during the disasters. The study brings together the diverse perspectives and experiences of caregivers, community members and most importantly, Syrian UASC in some of the worst earthquakes-affected areas. The report underlines the critical role of community-based alternative care systems in caring for unaccompanied and separated children and emphasises the severe gaps in existing services for children without parental care. Finally, it calls for increased prioritisation of Syrian unaccompanied and separated children in both NWS and Southern Türkiye in the overall humanitarian response to the Syrian conflict.