New England Journal of Public Policy

Article Title

A Crisis of Needs: Coordinating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Responses in Syria and Europe

Authors

Lira Low

Abstract

This article offers recommendations for coordinating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs for Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons in the Middle East with those available to Syrian asylum seekers in Europe.

It examines the Netherlands’ progressive policies toward MHPSS programs in conflict crises that can provide examples of good practice in policy and advocacy. It calls on host governments to address their support for the enhanced provision of MHPSS not just in humanitarian responses overseas but also for refugee populations in their own countries. It seeks to identify challenges and obstacles in existing programming and proposes the creation of a coordination mechanism at the national level in countries bridging national and international programs, as well as the formation of a knowledge hub to address the urgent and crucial needs of global peace and humanitarian development work. Key topics for learning collaboration are identified to foster the intersection of MHPSS and peacebuilding work.

Recommended Citation

Low, Lira (2021) "A Crisis of Needs: Coordinating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Responses in Syria and Europe," New England Journal of Public Policy: Vol. 33: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.umb.edu/nejpp/vol33/iss1/5