March 15, 2011, popular demonstrations against Assad’s unfair rule and harsh crackdown grew nationwide.

These demonstrations were part of the wider Middle Eastern protest movement known as the Arab Spring.

Protestors wanted president Bashar al-Assad to resign. An end to government corruption.

Free elections, a parliamentary government, release of political prisoners, & the right to organize peaceful protests.

Deployed tanks and snipers to stop the protestors.

Water & electricity were shut off in certain parts of the country.

Security forces confiscated flour and food.

More Groups began to rise up against the Assad Regime.

Film Clip

2014

2011

Death Toll: 400,000 people160,000 pro-gov’t forces140,000 anti-gov’t forces207,000 civilians (55,000 children)

The economy has shrunk 45% since

the start of the conflict.

7.6 million people displaced from their homes. Almost half of the population has been displaced.

Infectious diseases spread due to collapse of sanitation and living conditions. Violence against women – approximately 6000 women have been raped.

Children are at risk of becoming ill, malnourished, abused, or exploited. Millions have been forced to quit school.

3-year old Aylan Kurdi drowned when boat headed to Greece capsized. This photograph brought global attention to the refugee crisis.

Directions: Grab a computer and log in.

Take the Journey at least THREE times and answer questions in packet Watch one of the videos on the website and complete the questions

Type in a Google search for “Syrian Journey” and click on the first one that says, “Syrian Journey: Choose your own escape

route”