Newborn and maternal health 

Syrian refugees in Jordan are generally younger than the pre-crisis population and have higher fertility rates. Each month, an average of 2,000 Syrian refugee children are born in Jordan. According to a recent health service assessment, many new Syrian mothers and their infants in Jordan lack access to appropriate maternal and newborn health care. Currently, over half of all under-five deaths in Jordan occur in the neonatal period. The assessment suggests a strong need for an evidence-based maternal and newborn health service package that would include counseling on breastfeeding, essential newborn care at home, early detection and treatment of newborn infections and kits with supplies for mothers and their babies. (Source: UNICEF NextGen Jordan Full Proposal)

Over half of all under-five deaths in Jordan occur in the neonatal period (Source: UNICEF)

A young boy in the Za’atari refugee camp helps his little sister fall asleep (Source: UNICEF)

Economic barriers: poverty and workforce exclusion

Poverty and workforce exclusion further compound the problems faced by refugee, forcing many to rely entirely on humanitarian assistance and credit. In 2015, nearly 90 percent of Syrian refugee families took on debt to meet their basic needs. Without formal residency rights and access to work permits, many refugees quickly exhaust their resources. In several countries throughout Europe and the Middle East, Syrian refugees face significant barriers to economic and social integration. 

Women in particular are often unable to access the livelihood opportunities that will allow them to secure basic necessities for their families, such as food, water, shelter and clothing. Restricting the rights of refugees to employment opportunities can actually make refugee children more vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including child labor, trafficking and forced recruitment by armed forces.

Evidence shows that, given the opportunity, most refugees will work in any geographic location and in any field that provides them with a livelihood. Furthermore, access to safe and lawful work, will help refugees contribute to the needs of their family, community and the country in which they reside. Allowing refugees access to employment and self-employment is beneficial to both refugees and their host countries. Well supervised programs with adequate job training can help refugees become an economic and social boon to their host countries. Access to employment is also a
fundamental right, enshrined in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. However, in practice, efforts to uphold the employment rights of refugees have been limited and many are barred from accessing employment in host countries for at least a generation. (Source: UNICEF NextGen Jordan Full Proposal)

How you can help!

Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal. It is my vision that we all come together to support our brothers and sisters around the world who are in unimaginable situations. The follow are some ways you can make an immediate difference with your generous support:

• First and foremost share this campaign with three like-minded friends, family or colleagues < Launchgood.com/UNICEFNextGenChi >
• Donate generously, what every you can spare I consider generous! Rule of thumb: always do first what you ask another person to do. 
• Spread some goodness in the world in whatever way you can, even if it is just a smile!
• Raise money on behalf of UNICEF or another organization - there are many out there!

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF has the leading humanitarian organization for 70 years and even has initiatives to ensure the most vulnerable children, children with disabilities, are at the forefront.

Please donate, and join me as I Stand Up for the World’s Children. 

To my fans, if you are in Chicago on February 2, 2018, and want to see me perform the keynote LIVE, I'd love to have your support by attending, as 300 Chicagoans come together for Syrian refugee women and the world's children.