WORLD
Syrian Refugee Crisis ‘Spirals Out of Control’
This article outlines the crisis facing families fleeing Syria’s civil war, as well as humanitarian aid agencies and neighboring governments absorbing more than a million refugees.
1-Page Map by National Geographic Maps
Discussion ideas:
- Look at our 1-Page Map of Syria. Where do students think refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war are going? Why? Is there any neighboring nation where students think refugees are not going? Why? (Most refugees are going to neighboring states: Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq. Few are going to Israel, due to longstanding political issues that predate the civil war.)
- More than a million people have fled the violence in Syria since the outbreak of civil war almost two years ago. Look at our collection of maps on displaced people around the world. Where else are refugees fleeing? Where are they going? (Most refugees are leaving war-torn nations such as Afghanistan and Iraq. They are largely migrating to nearby countries, such as Pakistan and Iran.)
- What CNN calls the “refugee crisis” in Syria includes not only those displaced by civil war, but the humanitarian groups and neighboring governments who must deal with the refugees. Read our encyclopedic entry on refugees. (The relevant section is on page two, under the heading “Refugees Today.”) What responsibilities do nations that accept refugees have to take? (Refugees must seek food, shelter, and medical care. These are often provided at refugee camps.)
- Review our picture-of-practice video on teaching about maps and migration in the classroom. Adapt some of the techniques used in the video (about refugees from Sudan) to the current crisis in Syria. (The instructional strategy includes use of both maps and video. Use Nat Geo Education’s 1-page and MapMaker Interactive resources, as well as CNN videos such as Syrian refugees setting up camp in Jordan or the humanitarian challenges facing the international community. Warning: The last video contains graphic images of violence.)
Note: We’re experimenting with a new feature here on the NG Education Blog. “Current Event Connection” posts will connect educators with news stories and relevant discussion ideas featuring content from the NG Education website.