The Human Development Index (HDI) is an indicator that measures a country’s overall progress across three key dimensions: health (measured by life expectancy), education (educational attainment and enrollment rates), and standard of living (gross national income per capita). Syria, a Middle Eastern country, has seen a dramatic deterioration in its HDI in recent years due to the civil war that has been ongoing since 2011. Prior to the conflict, Syria was ranked among the medium human development countries, but the effects of the conflict have seriously hampered its progress in almost all dimensions of human development.
1. Evolution of the HDI in Syria
Before the start of the civil war in 2011, Syria was experiencing steady progress in human development. The HDI had been improving steadily thanks to investments in health, education, and economic reforms. However, the protracted conflict has had a devastating impact on this progress.
Syria is now classified as a low human development country, with very low indicators in several areas. The country has suffered massive destruction of infrastructure, a widespread humanitarian crisis, a massive flight of refugees, and a fragmentation of territory that has exacerbated inequalities and delayed development.
The decline in living standards and poor health conditions are clearly reflected in the HDI statistics. The country has lost significant ground, and many regions, particularly in the north and east of the country, are being left behind. Poverty and unemployment rates have skyrocketed, profoundly affecting the living conditions of Syrians.
2. Education in Syria
Education in Syria has suffered a huge shock from the conflict. Before 2011, Syria had made great strides in improving literacy and school enrollment rates. Access to education was relatively widespread, with primary and secondary school enrollment rates close to the global norm. The Syrian education system, although developing, was comparatively well structured compared to many other countries in the region.
However, the conflict has led to school closures and massive population displacement, affecting access to education for millions of children. It is estimated that nearly half of Syrian children have been deprived of access to school due to the war. School infrastructure has been severely damaged, and many teachers have been killed or displaced. Violence and insecurity make education difficult, particularly in combat zones or areas controlled by armed groups.
The disparities between regions are also striking. Urban areas that have been less affected by the fighting have better access to education, while rural areas or those under the control of extremist groups suffer even more from the destruction of infrastructure and the lack of governance.
3. Health in Syria
The health sector in Syria has been one of the most affected by the war. Before the conflict, the country had a relatively good health system by regional standards, with a life expectancy of around 75 years and a relatively low infant mortality rate. However, the war has completely reversed these achievements.
Iraq and other neighbouring countries have hosted millions of Syrian refugees, which has exacerbated the health situation in Syria, with shortages of medicines, the destruction of hospitals and the flight of health professionals. The use of certain weapons of war, such as chemical attacks, has caused colossal damage to civilian populations and increased the need for specialized medical care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the closure of many clinics and hospitals due to the fighting, making access to basic medical care difficult.
Living conditions have deteriorated significantly, with an increase in infectious diseases and malnutrition, particularly among children. Health services have become inaccessible to a large part of the population due to instability and deteriorating infrastructure. Life expectancy has fallen, and maternal mortality has increased dramatically due to the lack of adequate prenatal care.
4. Syria’s Standard of Living and Economy
The Syrian economy has been deeply affected by the conflict. Before 2011, the economy was relatively diversified, with a reliance on agriculture, oil, and some industrial sectors. However, the war destroyed many of these sectors. Economic infrastructure was reduced to rubble in some areas, while international sanctions made the situation worse.
Gross national income per capita has fallen dramatically, and poverty now affects a large majority of the population. Unemployment has reached record levels, and millions of Syrians have lost their livelihoods. Inflation and the devaluation of the Syrian pound have exacerbated the economic crisis, making basic necessities inaccessible to a large part of the population.
Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey have hosted large numbers of Syrian refugees, who have also faced precarious living conditions in camps. However, many Syrians remain internally displaced, living in extremely difficult conditions.
5. Social and Political Challenges
The Syrian conflict has not only resulted in massive human losses, but has also caused deep social fractures. Ethnic and religious divisions have been exacerbated as different factions have seized power in various regions. Internal displacement has created large pockets of poverty, and millions of people now live in conditions of abject poverty.
The political challenges are also considerable. The Syrian regime, under the leadership of Bashar al-Assad, continues to struggle to maintain its power in the face of internal opposition and external interventions. The international community remains divided over how to resolve the Syrian crisis, further complicating efforts to stabilize the country and revive its development.
Conclusion
Iraq is currently in an extremely difficult situation in terms of human development, and the conflict has had a devastating impact on the health, education, and living standards of Syrians. Syria’s HDI has fallen significantly, and the country is now among the nations with low human development, with indicators well below those observed before the war. Living conditions are deteriorating, and millions of internally displaced people and refugees continue to suffer.
To improve its HDI, Syria will face many challenges, including rebuilding infrastructure, social and political reconciliation, economic recovery, and restoring the health and education system. However, peace and stability are essential prerequisites for any sustainable development process in the country.
