Internally Displaced Research Articles

NIGERIA: SECURITY CONCERNS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS LIVING IN NON-CAMP SETTINGS IN KWARA STATE

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) seek refuge in territories that are considered safer, including outside officially designated camps. This development raises security concerns for host communications, thus increasing the likelihood of conflict. This paper set out to unveil the presence of IDPs in non-camp settings (NCS) in Kwara State, examine the security implications associated with their covert existence within host communities, and evaluate the strategies put in place by the State Government to address them. The study adopted a mixed method approach, in which 200 copies of a questionnaire were distributed to local participants in selected towns, out of which 188 copies were retrieved. A snowball technique was used to identify unregistered IDPs while a purposive sampling technique was useful in the selection of key informants for interviews. The study found that the security implications of hosting IDPs were numerous: feelings of insecu rity, a threat to physical and mental health, a threat to life, vulnerability to harassment; increas ing demographic imbalance, and condescending attitude of the host population among others. The study concluded that a high level of impoverishment in NCS threatens human security for both the host population and the IDPs. The study recommended that the Kwara State Government should synergize with relevant stakeholders and the local communities, to identify and profile all victims of internal displacement for an effective response to security challenges. Keywords: Security, Internal Displacement, non-camp setting, host community, Kwara.

Challenges of ensuring the integration of internally displaced persons into host communities: Behavioral determinants

Internal migration caused by the war of russia against Ukraine (with the active phase starting in February 2022) has increased the socio-economic burden on the host communities welcoming internally displaced population from the frontline and occupied territories. On the other hand, it intensifies behavioral reflections of local residents on the integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The study aims to identify opportunities, challenges, and prospects for IDPs’ adaptation in host communities (a case study of Lviv oblast, Ukraine). The paper conducted a sociological survey among 2,500 respondents in November 2022–February 2023. The results show that the lack of housing, lack of permanent employment, language contradictions, and forced limited contact with relatives who remain in the combat zone are existential barriers to the integration of IDPs into host communities. The study identified such opportunities for the integration of IDPs into the host society: reducing the risk of depopulation of territories, reducing imbalances in the local labor market in certain sectors of the economy, strengthening social cohesion, developing small businesses, and improving social infrastructure. The respective challenges include increased social tension, competition for jobs and housing, shortage of places in preschool institutions, and disproportionate distribution of budget funds between the local population and IDPs. Conflicts between IDPs and local residents, as well as IDPs and local authorities, require a proactive position of local authorities to initiate psychological support programs and create communication platforms for the exchange of individual experiences and discussion of psychological and emotional issues.

Access to and utilisation of antimicrobials among forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, Yemen and Colombia: a pilot cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesIdentifying key barriers to accessing quality-assured and affordable antimicrobials among forcibly displaced persons in Uganda, Yemen and Colombia and investigating their (1) utilisation patterns of antibiotics, (2) knowledge about antimicrobial...

Collapse of Cancer Care Under the Current Conflict in Sudan.

Sudan has been under an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia since April 15, 2023. The conflict has turned the country into the largest internal displacement humanitarian crisis with 9.05 million internally displaced persons including 2.2 million children younger than 5 years and caused 1.47 million Sudanese to flee the country as refugees. The conflict has had a major destructive impact on the health system, which has incurred targeting with air raids, ground invasion, vandalization, looting of assets and supplies, and killing of doctors, nurses, and other health personnel. Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan's main cancer hub for treatment, diagnostics, and research has become nonfunctional as a result of the conflict. The National Cancer Institute in Wad Medani, the second largest hub, faced a similar fate as the conflict spread to Al-Gezira State. Patients with cancer have been displaced multiple times in Sudan with grave consequences on the continuity of care, worsening of their disease outcomes and palpable negative impacts on children. The oncology workforce in Sudan have themselves been displaced yet are working hard to provide services and care for patients under impossible circumstances. Sudan's doctors in diaspora have rallied to provide support but they face multiple obstacles. As the conflict continues to spread, we call upon the WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund, St Jude Hospital, and all relevant partners to implement an immediate evacuation operation with urgent air lifts of the affected children to continue their cancer care in neighboring countries as was done in Ukraine and Gaza.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES THROUGH INTERFAITH DIALOGUE FOR RESOLVING FARMERS-HERDERS DISPUTES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA’S SELECTED COMMUNITIES

This study explores the farmer-herder conflict in Southwest Nigeria and the potential of interfaith dialogue as a novel approach to achieving sustainable peace. The paper argues that traditional methods of conflict resolution have proven inadequate and highlights the transformative potential of dialogue in fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration between these often-antagonistic groups. Drawing on a multi-pronged methodological approach that combines secondary source analysis with primary data collected through interviews with key stakeholders, the research delves into the root causes of the conflict, including population growth, resource scarcity, and historical grievances. The paper emphasizes the devastating consequences of these clashes, including internal displacement, livelihood destruction, and loss of life. Through the lens of Leonard Swidler's Decalogue of Dialogue, the study outlines a framework for interfaith dialogue initiatives. This framework emphasizes open communication, mutual respect, a willingness to learn from each other, and a commitment to finding common ground. The research highlights the importance of addressing underlying grievances while also promoting innovative solutions such as sustainable cattle rearing practices and collaborative land-use policies. The study concludes that by implementing interfaith dialogue strategies alongside educational components, economic incentives for peaceful coexistence, and social interaction programs, stakeholders can cultivate a culture of peace and build a more prosperous future for all communities involved. This research contributes to the field of conflict resolution by advocating for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the religious dimensions of the farmer-herder conflict while emphasizing the importance of intergroup dialogue and collaboration. The emphasis on interfaith dialogue as a tool for peace-building offers a valuable addition to existing scholarship on conflict resolution in Southwest Nigeria. Limitations of the study include its focus on a specific region and the reliance on self-reported data from interviews. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of interfaith dialogue initiatives and investigate their applicability in diverse cultural contexts. By continuing to refine and expand the toolkit of interfaith dialogue, scholars and practitioners can make significant strides towards fostering peace and social cohesion in conflict-ridden regions.

Boko Haram terrorism and the burden of managing internal displacement in Nigeria: Is the end in sight?

Boko Haram terrorism has since its inception in 2009 claimed the lives of over 20,000 people and caused the displacement of about 3 million following violent attacks on communities and the destruction of social structure and economic livelihood opportunities for communities. Since the number of displaced persons resulting from the activities of Boko Haram is on the increase, efforts are being intensified by both the state and non-state humanitarian actors to manage the crisis that results from this displacement. Despite these efforts, very few results have been achieved. This is largely a result of problems that bedevil the Nigerian state, namely (i) inadequate resources to finance humanitarian programmes for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), (ii) poor data management system, (iii) clash of responsibilities among humanitarian delivery agencies and institutions and (iv) the lack of policy support and poor implementation of provisions of other frameworks. Utilising systems theory, the study investigates the efforts of state and non-state actors in managing Boko Haram-induced internal displacements and the effectiveness or otherwise of managing the IDPs in Nigeria. It is found that the management of IDPs in Nigeria remains poorly handled owing to the above factors. Relying on the secondary method of data collection, the study also found that prolonged Boko Haram terrorism increases the possibility of internal displacements. Based on these findings, the study concludes that the government should quicken the process of policy adoption and implementation on IDP to serve as a legal framework for the management of IDPs in Nigeria, as well as develop a robust mechanism of data management to enhance the administration of humanitarian support.

Familiar Ghosts: Imagining Lives, Re-imagining the Nation, Inventing the Future

This article focuses on novels that, located on the boundary between biography, autobiography and fiction, between detailed archival historical research and imagination, between the documentary and the speculative, seek to reconstruct the life of an ancestor of the writer-narrator to reflect on the traumas, exploitation, hopes, and desires of generations who, in their diasporas, also helped create their modern nations, or whose story challenges the exclusions on which the concept of the nation has been built. The texts discussed are Melania Mazzucco’s Vita, Vona Groarke’s Hereafter: The Telling Life of Ellen O’Hara, Wu Ming 2 and Antar Mohamed’s Timira: Romanzo Meticcio, and Maryse Condé’s Victoire, les saveurs et les mots. At their center is the negotiation between the individual truth and the relational story across generations on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the tracing of collective histories such as those of nation, of colonization, of diaspora, of internal and external displacement, of rights and emancipation (the downtrodden, the poor, women, the migrant, the refugees), of the origins of dispossession and the permanence of its effects. At the core of the narratives is also the ghostliness of the erased (from history, from memory, from citizenship), the departed (in the sense of being dead and of having traveled away), and the in-between (generic: between the historical and documentary on the one hand, and the novelistic, the fable, fantasy on the other; geographical: between countries, between places, nationalities, national affiliations; historical: across generations; racial: the mestizo, the mulatto). It is, specifically, the biofictional imagination that enables these diasporic, transnational, transracial accounts to open up the possibility of a different, liberating future, by offering the space to imagine such a future, but also by recognizing, through its explicit acknowledgement of its recourse to fictionality, that it does not aim to construct a new myth to replace historical fact, but that it invites all of us to imagine, and strive to bring into existence, a different reality.

Challenges Associated with Persons Internally Displaced by Boko Haram Insurgency in Yobe State

This study investigates the challenges confronting individuals displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State, shedding light on the broader impact of global terrorism and insurgency. The research objectives focus on understanding the reasons for displacement and identifying obstacles faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in accessing essential/everyday life items. Using a mixed-method approach, including surveys and in-depth interviews, data was gathered from 805 respondents for the survey and 5 participants for the IDI in 5 IDPs’ settlements including Abbari YBC, Abujan Mai-Mala, AMG Farm, Kasaisa and Kukareta. Key findings reveal that 99.0% of respondents attribute their displacement to Boko Haram, with 50.2% experiencing the loss of family members. Challenges in accessing basic necessities are prevalent, with 93.9% reporting difficulties, particularly in food (78.8%), toiletries (61.1%), and clothing (77.9%). The demographic profile highlights a higher representation of women (61.5%) and a younger demographic. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support mechanisms, including humanitarian aid, enhanced security, psycho-social support, tailored education, and sustainable livelihood programs. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, require targeted interventions. In conclusion, the study emphasises the necessity for coordinated efforts to address the multifaceted challenges faced by internally displaced persons in Yobe State, ensuring their survival, dignity, and future stability in the aftermath of insurgency. Recommendations of this study include intensified humanitarian aid, collaboration with security agencies, psycho-social support programs, tailored education initiatives, sustainable livelihood support, and facilitation of collaboration among governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS OF PROVIDERS ON THE QUALITY OF HOUSING IN POST-DISASTER RELIEF CAMPS: USERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Against the backdrop of recurring humanitarian crises, the study addresses the pressing issue of housing quality in post-disaster relief camps and aims to enhance the well-being of displaced populations. The purpose of the research is to examine the influence of providers' decisions on shelter conditions. The study examines how provider choices affect the standard of housing in relief camps in Nigeria using a descriptive survey. It encompasses four camps with a combined population of 20,982 people, two in Lagos and two in Abuja. Through stratified sampling, 378 respondents were selected using Yemane's formula. Over a year, information from internally displaced people (IDPs) was gathered through standardized surveys. The study reveals that decision-making processes significantly affect housing quality, and residents' voices are often inadequately considered. The study's conclusions help comprehend the living circumstances at the relief camps in Nigeria. The originality of this study lies in its emphasis on decision-making in post-disaster housing provision. This research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 which aims to enhance the quality of life for marginalized communities through living conditions. Keywords: Decision making, Humanitarian crisis, Housing quality, Nigeria, SDG 11, Relief camps

Investigation into the Time-Dependent Characteristics of Stress and Deformation of Weak Surrounding Rock and Lining Structure in Operational Tunnels: Model Test

During the long-term operation of tunnels, surrounding rock undergoes creep effects under environmental loads, resulting in changes in the aging evolution model of stress and deformation in surrounding rock and lining, which affects the long-term operational safety of the tunnel. Therefore, using the model test device for time-dependent characteristics of stress and deformation of weak surrounding rock and lining structure in operational tunnels, taking into account the influence of tunnel burial depth and lateral pressure coefficient of surrounding rock, a model test on time-dependent characteristics of stress and deformation in weak surrounding rock and lining structure was conducted, and the stress and deformation time-varying curves at key locations of surrounding rock and lining were obtained. The time characteristics of surrounding rock stress, the contact force between surrounding rock and lining, internal force, and displacement of lining structure were analyzed. Research findings indicate that the stress of surrounding rock, the internal force and displacement of lining structure, and the contact force between surrounding rock and lining all increase and tend to be stable over time under constant load. This implies that the stress and deformation of the surrounding rock and lining structure exhibit time-dependent changes. With changes in burial depth and lateral pressure coefficient, significant variations are observed in the various indicators of stress and deformation in the surrounding rock and lining structure, indicating both time-dependent and long-term characteristics in terms of stress and deformation. The research results provide basic data support for the study of the time-dependent characteristics of stress and deformation between weak surrounding rock and lining structures in operational tunnels and can provide theoretical and technical guidance for the long-term service status discrimination and disaster prevention and control of operational tunnels.

Good international citizenship and the protection of internally displaced persons: examining Kenya’s law and policy

ABSTRACT Good international citizenship is traditionally associated with the practices of Western democracies but is also increasingly relevant to non-Western states that seek to promote human rights on the basis of sovereignty and non-interference. Such approach has important implications for how non-Western states devise their own national laws and policies. To examine such implications, this article analyses Kenya’s framework for protecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Kenya’s standing as good international citizen has facilitated the formation of a comprehensive national IDP framework that has allowed Kenya to emerge as a leading state in the protection of the right not to be arbitrarily displaced. Despite such progress, the consolidation of Kenya’s IDP framework also depends upon effective implementation and commitment to regional conventions.

Проблеми адаптації внутрішньо переміщених осіб в умовах воєнного часу

Adaptation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in wartime conditions is a complex problem that requires attention and a comprehensive approach from governments, civil society organizations and international humanitarian organizations. This abstract offers an overview of the main aspects of the problem of adaptation of IDPs during hostilities, namely socio-economic instability, psychological and psychosocial problems, access to education and medical care, and the need for social adaptation. The authors substantiated the relevance of the study of the concept "internally a displaced person" in the conditions of modern realities of Ukrainian society. The article explains the need to determine the status of so-called forced migrants – population category, new for the history of independent Ukraine. Analyzed two socio-cultural and resource. Analysis of these problems will help to develop effective strategies and support programs for IDPs in wartime conditions aimed at improving their well-being and integration into society. The article, based on available research, analyzes the psychological problems faced by Ukrainians who were forcibly displaced as a result of Russian aggression, and which hinder their viability. An integrative model of psychological support for persons who were forcibly displaced due to Russian aggression is proposed. This model is based on the possibilities of different psychological approaches, such as psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and existential. Its goal is to mobilize the internal resources of the individual, achieve existential self-expression, as well as to master health-preserving psychotechniques and build resistance to the destructive influences of the surrounding environment.

La terapia Gestalt: una alternativa de atención psicológica a niños desplazados de Guerrero, México

Forced internal displacement is a phenomenon that has occurred throughout history in various countries and affects the victims who experience it in all areas of their lives. In this regard, for the child population, this phenomenon has had a devastating impact, as childhood is a stage of full development, and children feel insecure in a frightening context where all their human rights were violated. The objective of the present study was to provide Gestalt therapy to children who are victims of forced internal displacement from Sierra de Guerrero. A qualitative approach was used, with a descriptive scope, a phenomenological design, and a cross-sectional cohort. The sample is represented by 23 minors from a community in the Sierra de Guerrero. The instruments used were the interview guide and the field diary, with data analyzed through open coding. The results show that the personal psychosocial effects found in the children were sadness and happiness due to their parents' fights; within the community effects, it was found that parents exhibited hypervigilance due to the stress of protecting their families. Regarding socioeconomic effects, it was found that men resorted to poppy cultivation as a subsistence economic activity. In this sense, it is concluded that Gestalt therapy used for group and individual intervention was effective in providing emotional release for the minors and a better way to cope with family conflicts and the social context.

Finite element analysis of the impact of bone mass and volume of low-density area under tibial plateau on lower limb alignment

To investigate the impact of the bone mass and volume of the low-density area under the tibial plateau on the lower limb force line by finite element analysis, offering mechanical evidence for preventing internal displacement of the lower limb force line in conjunction with knee varus in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and reducing bone mass under the tibial plateau. A healthy adult was selected as the study subject, and X-ray film and CT imaging data were acquired. Mimics 21.0 software was utilized to reconstruct the complete knee joint model and three models representing low-density areas under the tibial plateau with equal volume but varying shapes. These models were then imported into Solidworks 2023 software for assembly and verification. Five KOA finite element models with 22%, 33%, 44%, 55%, and 66% bone mass reduction in the low-density area under tibial plateau and 5 KOA finite element models with 81%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 121% times of the low-density area model with 66% bone mass loss were constructed, respectively. Under physiological loading conditions of the human lower limb, the distal ends of the tibia and fibula were fully immobilized. An axial compressive load of 1 860 N, following the lower limb force line, was applied to the primary load-bearing area on the femoral head surface. The maximum stress within the tibial plateau, as well as the maximum displacements of the tibial cortical bone and tibial subchondral bone, were calculated and analyzed using the finite element analysis software Abaqus 2022. Subsequently, predictions regarding the alteration of the lower limb force line were made based on the analysis results. The constructed KOA model accorded with the normal anatomical structure of lower limbs. Under the same boundary conditions and the same load, the maximum stress of the medial tibial plateau, the maximum displacement of the tibial cortical bone and the maximum displacement of the cancellous bone increased along with the gradual decrease of bone mass in the low-density area under the tibial plateau and the gradual increase in the volume of the low-density area under tibial plateau, with significant differences ( P<0.05). The existence of a low-density area under tibial plateau suggests a heightened likelihood of knee varus and inward movement of the lower limb force line. Both the volume and reduction in bone mass of the low-density area serve as critical initiating factors. This information can provide valuable guidance to clinicians in proactively preventing knee varus and averting its occurrence.

Coping strategies of internally displaced persons and the host community in a region of armed conflict: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundConflict leads to the displacement of people, making it more difficult for them to cope with increasing stress. In war-affected regions, people use different strategies to cope with their stress. This study examines the coping strategies of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and those in host communities in war zones. MethodsPeople living in the IDP camp and host communities in Maiduguri, Nigeria were recruited using a convenient sampling strategy. A 28-item Hausa version of the Brief COPE Scale wasused for data collection. Data were analyzed using linear regression and presented as unstandardized beta (B) and standard error (SE). ResultsA total of 562 participants were recruited (IDPs, n = 281; and the host communities, n = 281). Problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies were identified as the most common approaches used in host communities; however, dysfunctional strategies were morecommon among the IDPs. Age (younger or older adulthood) was identified as a predictor forthe use of emotion-, problem-, and dysfunctional-focused coping strategies. ConclusionHost communities were more likely to use a problem-and emotion-focused approach to coping, while IDPs were more likely to use dysfunctional strategies. Location and demographic factors (being single, aged 18–29years, >50 years and older) also influenced coping.

Drivers and Impacts of Internal Displacement to Kano City, Nigeria: An Empirical Study and Strategic Recommendations

The increasing rate of internal displacement in Nigeria has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on urban management. Forced migration is often seen as an outcome of unpalatable experience in migrants’ communities. This study aims to identify the factors driving mass internal migration to Kano and to explore the relationship between forced migration and the evolving socio-economic conditions in the city. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys with 1,000 respondents, interviews with 30 individuals, and six focus group discussions (FGDs). Discussion is anchored on Lee’s push-pull theory of migration. The analysis reveals that insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts over socio-economic space, and herders-farmers conflicts are major factors contributing to unprecedented internal displacement, with Kano emerging as a significant recipient of these migrants. Socio-economic life of Kano slums has been altered and migrants are exposed to various risks, including unemployment, hunger, disease, drug abuse and poor upbringing of the young ones. Uncertain future and danger looms ahead if proactive measures are not taken to address conflicts and insecurity in the northern Nigeria. The government should develop strategies to resolve these crises and facilitate the return of forced migrants to their communities, thereby mitigating the socio-economic disruptions in Kano.

Strength Optimisation and Static Performance Analysis of Arch Ribs of Steel-tube Concrete Arch Bridge

By means of finite element simulation, the axial compressive stiffness of different steel-tube concrete short columns was imported into the finite element model, and the effects of adopting new steel-tube concrete arch ribs on the mechanical properties of the key components of steel-tube concrete arch bridges, such as internal forces and displacements, were analyzed. The results show that: with the increase of the axial compressive stiffness of the arch rib chord, under different load combinations, the vertical displacement of the arch rib chord will increase, and the structure will be lifted up, with a maximum of 31.85%; the vertical displacement of the deck slab will also increase, with a maximum increase of 6.8%, which is smaller than the vertical displacement of the arch rib chord; the absolute value of the downward and transverse displacements of the arch rib chord will be reduced, with a maximum reduction of 7.1% respectively. The absolute values of the transverse and crossover displacements of the arch rib chord tube will be reduced, with the maximum reduction of 7.1% and 6.8%, respectively. In the project of arch bridge, the deflection and deformation of the arch rib, deck plate and other components of the more stringent restrictions, especially the vertical displacement, it is recommended to use the higher axial compressive stiffness of the steel pipe concrete arch rib.

Shear Lag Effect and Its Additional Deflection Contribution of Composite Beam Bridges

The composite beam structure is widely used in the engineering field because it benefits from the advantages of two materials, presenting outstanding advantages for construction purposes. However, at present, there are issues with the analysis and solution of the composite beam structure, such as the difficulty in developing a suitable analytical theory and the low degree of refinement achieved by simulation analysis. To accurately grasp the mechanical behavior of the composite beam structure and achieve its refined analysis, this paper proposes a refined spatial grid element analysis method that can simultaneously obtain the internal forces, displacements, and stresses of various parts of a composite beam. Based on the above new method, the effects of geometrical structural factors such as wide-span ratio, high-span ratio, and web thickness with respect to the shear lag effect are analyzed. The distribution law of the shear lag coefficient and its additional deflection are analyzed. The results demonstrate that using this analysis method to calculate and analyze steel-concrete duplex type composite beams can directly obtain the internal forces and displacements of the joints of the composite beam roof, floor, and web. The spatial grid element analysis method provides both the theoretical and practical means to achieve both the overall and local refinement analysis of the composite beam structure.

The psychosocial experiences of internally displaced children due to armed conflict in the case of north east Ethiopia: Implications for intervention

AbstractThe repercussions of internally induced armed conflict appear to vary for different groups of people. The physical and economic consequences of armed conflict have been investigated and documented by researchers. However, the psychosocial impact of IDPs on children has not yet been explored in detail. The main objective of this study was to investigate how internal displacement due to armed conflict affected the psychosocial well‐being of children in Southern Wollo, Ethiopia. A sample of 25 children was purposely selected and interviewed about their psychosocial experience following displacement because of armed conflict. Ten parents/caregivers were also selected purposely to describe the situation of internally displaced children. To explain the study, system and attachment theories were mainly employed. Using qualitative methods of analysis, each child's psychosocial experiences were documented, analyzed, and compared to capture the essence (theme) of the problem. From 35 transcripts and observation checklists, three emerging themes were developed and explained. The findings showed that there existed feelings of separation, lack of hope in schooling, psychological distress, loneliness, insecurity, and depression among children affected by displacement due to war. Children's exposure and witness of the horrifying situation during displacement traumatized and disturbed them a lot. Based on the results, it is possible to imply that government and nongovernment organizations that have a stake in children should design appropriate intervention mechanics to support children affected by internal displacement due to armed conflict.

An analysis of paediatric clinical presentations in Northwest Syria and the effect of forced displacement, 2018–2022

BackgroundOne in six children worldwide lives in a region exposed to armed conflict. In conflicts, children are among the most vulnerable, and at risk of adverse health outcomes. We sought to describe trends in child and adolescent morbidity in northwest Syria (NWS) and understand how forced displacement affects clinical utilisation during the Syrian conflict. MethodsRetrospective data between January 2018 and December 2022 were obtained from the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a non-governmental organisation that operates health facilities in NWS. After initial descriptive analyses were completed, we performed a seasonal-trend decomposition to estimate the seasonality of clinical presentations. We subsequently employed a multivariate regression model incorporating age, gender, residency status, season, and a random district-level intercept to measure the association between the odds of clinical consultation and forced displacement. FindingsAcross 51 reporting SAMS facilities, 2,687,807 clinical consultations were studied over a five-year period. Seasonality was demonstrated for every clinical consultation category. Higher levels of forced displacement were associated with increased odds of consultations for nutrition, trauma, NCDs and mental health and decreased odds of consultation for communicable diseases. Aside from traumatic injury, internally displaced persons (IDPs) had higher AORs of clinical consultations compared to host populations. InterpretationForced displacement differentially impacts clinical utilisation among children in northwest Syria, and the effects of displacement persist for at least six months. Clinical needs vary by host/IDP status, sex, age, and season. This study can assist policymakers in forecasting the health needs of children in northwest Syria.