The Psychosocial Problems of the Children Affected by the ISIS War in Iraq and Syria
A Case Study of IDPs and Refugees in Erbil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14500/kujhss.v8n1y2025.pp545-552Keywords:
Children And War, Children Mental Health, Internally Displaced People, Domestic Violence, School ViolenceAbstract
The aftermath of the ISIS war in Iraq and Syria has left an indelible mark on the lives of affected children, who have endured hardships and trauma. This study aims to clarify the primary psychosocial issues faced by children who have been displaced as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a result of this conflict. Using a combination of observations, interviews, and unpublished case documents, the study highlights the significant impact of the Iraqi and Syrian crises on the mental health and social well-being of school-aged children. The research identifies a range of mental, physical, and social challenges that these children have grappled with, including: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, neglect, domestic violence, school violence. Meanwhile, civil society and international Organisations provided interventions and psychosocial support (PSS) that helped most of the affected children adapting to the circumstances. The study's findings underscore the critical importance of providing comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support interventions (MHPSS) to alleviate the challenges faced by these children and their families during this turbulent period.
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