Tech Reshaping Syrian Aid: From Cash Cards to Social Media Advocacy

The technological revolution extends its reach to places we, ourselves, cannot reach. As the Syrian Civil War nears its thirteenth year, causing one of the world’s major protracted conflicts, humanity is losing focus on the gravity of every struggle the Middle Eastern region is facing. 

Since 2011, the Syrian civilian population has been subjected to countless human rights violations and abuses. As the toll continues to escalate, with 500,000 fatalities, 150,000 individuals still unaccounted for, and half of the population displaced from their homes, it becomes imperative to evaluate the progress of international efforts, focusing particularly on the role of technology.

According to the UN Press in July 2023, three of the four passageways for aid have been closed leaving solely Bab Al-Hawa as the pathway to helping Internally Displaced People (IDP). Therefore, a generous amount of support for this conflict lies with the one-third of civilians who have become refugees in countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. 

As the conflict extended over the years, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched cash cards aimed at providing for both refugees abroad and IDPs a means by which they can obtain necessities (food, water, clothing, etc.) from agreed-upon retailers without putting cash in their hands. This innovative measure was necessary to assure the donors of the safe use of their funds, while preserving the dignity of the refugee.

For those accessing the system through mobile phones, the WFP program seeked the use of IRISGUARD, which is a technology that identifies beneficiaries of the programme and prevents fraudulence through theft. This technology has proven important in preventing physical cash payments. 

The usage of mobile phones in Syria diverges from that in Europe. The maturation of internet-related services has been crucial to increasing the access to safe homes and refuge for families affected. One of the key missions of humanitarian organisations is securing the reunion of families who have been separated by the war, thus mobile phones and hotspots enable relatives to stay in touch to help each other in various ways. Information offered by the UNHCR and governments to asylum seekers are also available online to educate them about their legal rights which is fundamental to empower them to have an effective journey in the face of extreme misery.

Another benefit: education. The Groupe Speciale Mobile Association states that the application WhatsApp is key to equipping Syrians with methods of communication and online learning. Multiple organisations have created ‘communities’ for updating refugees and providing courses for young children affected by the war. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the chat-application was used to guide refugees on how to handle the situation.

Joining the social media boom, international organisations harnessed the power of platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to raise awareness to new donors and fundraise for aid. By posting content that inspires young people to engage with the conflict, the topic is discussed and supported through reposting and two-click donations. With the development of Apple Wallet and AutoFill, donors no longer have a long process of joining aid efforts. Additionally, crowdfunding platforms have succeeded in reaching a worldwide audience. In 2016, ShareAmerica claims that $1.77 million were raised through Kickstarter, supplying refugees with essential goods.

Bottom line, humanitarian action around the world is becoming more reliant on technology for support. With more conflicts sprouting in different regions, the next challenge to be faced by technology is how to delegate humanitarian aid focus to include backing for all victims.

Finally, an entertainment gem: The Swimmers, on Netflix.

Lulwa Naman (Our author from the BiM ESCP Paris campus)