The Syrian war has been raging for almost a decade now, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. While the loss of lives and displacement of millions has been widely reported, there is another aspect of this conflict that often goes unnoticed – the countless Syrians who have been left with devastating injuries.
From limb amputations and burns to the loss of sensory functions, these injuries have not only physically impacted the lives of these individuals, but have also had a profound effect on their mental and emotional well-being. And to make matters worse, they are often left to deal with these challenges on their own, with limited attention and support from civil society organizations.
One such individual is Salam al-Hassan, a 43-year-old woman from Saraqib, a town located south of Idlib city. Salam lost both her legs in a bomb blast during the early days of the Syrian war. She was on her way to the market when the explosion occurred, leaving her trapped under the rubble for hours before she was rescued.
Salam’s life changed in an instant. From being an active and independent woman, she was now confined to a wheelchair, unable to do even the simplest of tasks without assistance. The physical pain and trauma of losing her legs were only compounded by the emotional toll of adjusting to her new reality.
But Salam is not alone in her struggle. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.5 million Syrians have been injured in the war, with many of them facing similar challenges as Salam. And while there are organizations working to provide medical assistance and rehabilitation services, the sheer number of injured individuals makes it difficult for them to reach everyone in need.
The lack of attention and support from civil society organizations has only added to the burden of those who have been injured in the war. Many of them are forced to rely on their families for care and support, which can be overwhelming for both the injured individual and their loved ones.
However, amidst all the darkness and despair, there are glimmers of hope. Salam’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite her injuries, she refused to let them define her or hold her back. With the help of her family, she learned to adapt to her new circumstances and even started a small business selling homemade goods from her wheelchair.
Salam’s determination and positive attitude have inspired many in her community, and she has become a symbol of hope for others who have been injured in the war. She has also become an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, raising awareness about the challenges they face and the need for more support and resources.
But Salam’s story is just one among many. There are countless others like her, who have been left with life-altering injuries and are struggling to rebuild their lives. It is our responsibility as a global community to not only provide them with the necessary medical care and rehabilitation but also to support them in their journey towards recovery and empowerment.
Civil society organizations play a crucial role in this regard. They must work together to ensure that the needs of the injured are not overlooked and that they receive the support and resources they require to lead a dignified life. Governments and international organizations must also step up their efforts to address the long-term impact of the war on the physical and mental well-being of Syrians.
The Syrian war has left a deep scar on the country and its people. But amidst all the destruction and suffering, there are stories of resilience, courage, and hope. Salam al-Hassan’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail. Let us not forget the countless Syrians who have been injured in this war and do our part in helping them rebuild their lives.
