region

Middle East

The countries that make up the Middle East are some of the most continuously inhabited, historically important, religiously diverse and disputed lands on earth. The political and religious differences between neighbours and neighbouring countries are significant. While this can offer a rich cultural diversity, too often the differences have resulted in conflict, injustice and poverty that have kept children from experiencing the freedom they need to reach their full potential.

The Middle East (including North Africa) is home to the youngest population on earth. In the last three decades, the combined youth (15-24) population has more than tripled to 88.1 million people. And, while access to education has improved, the region continues to experience the second highest level of youth unemployment in the world at more than 26 per cent.

World Vision has been working in the Middle East for more than 35 years and currently has long-term development projects in Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza and Lebanon.

In addition to on-going long-term development work, World Vision is working directly and through partner organizations to support the needs of those affected by increased violence in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq and is also helping families in Gaza as they attempt to rebuild their lives after the most recent conflict.