Dreaming of Syria

• Prize
• Photographer
  David Brunetti, United Kingdom
• Studio
  David Brunetti Photography
• Website
  http://www.davidbrunetti.com

Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled the conflict in Syria for the relative safety of neighbouring host countries such as Jordan. They have taken the risk to leave everything they know behind for an uncertain future abroad. And although they might have escaped the civil war, when they cross the border refugees face a host of new challenges.

Many Syrians have now settled in urban areas rather than refugee camps such as Zaatari that is now infamous for the tremendous number of Syrians it shelters. And as the number of refugees seeking safety in Jordan increases and the resources to cope with the influx dwindles, many Syrian families decide to leave the refugee camps.

The refugee crisis in urban areas is far less visible, but no less serious, than in the refugee camps. Many refugees in urban areas are living in unheated or unfurnished apartments, garages or tents, which are often overcrowded. Many families are facing increased debt as they struggle to pay for soaring rent and rising costs of food, water and other basic essentials. And with no access to income, their problems will only multiply. People are already running out of money for rent and essentials. Families will be forced to desperate measures to get by; many are already obliged to beg for food. They are deeply ashamed to do this, but they have no choice.

• Awards
  Prix de la Photographie 2012 – bronze medal medallist Prix de la Photographie 2012 – bronze medal medallist International Photography Awards 2011 – honourable mention Foto8 Summershow 2011 – finalist Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 – finalist LiCC London International Creative Competition 2009 – shortlisted International Photography Awards 2009 – honorable mention Fujifilm Distinctions Awards 2009 – merit winner HASSELBLAD Master 2008 – semifinalist Fujifilm Distinction Award 2008 – overall winner Contact portfolio: www.davidbrunetti.com blog: www.davidbrunetti.wordpress.com twitter: @david_brunetti