Responding to Syria’s crisis

Thousands of Syrian refugees who are facing winter temperatures have multiple unmet needs that need immediate humanitarian aid and long term support to reconstruct their lives.

It’s estimated that 3,000 people a day are fleeing the conflict within Syria to neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.

Most of those escaping are women (about 78% of refugees are women) and children who leave with few possessions and are ill-equipped to cope with winter conditions. They live in makeshift shelters, with plastic and other materials used in an attempt to boost insulation.

Psychological support is needed for those who have been scarred by their ordeal during a 23-month long civil war that has claimed more than 60,000, mostly civilian, lives.According to the UN, 728,000 Syrians have fled their country, a figure that is expected to rise to a million within just a few months.

According to the UN, 728,000 Syrians have fled their country, a figure that is expected to rise to a million within just a few months.

Most refugees end up staying with local communities rather than in camps but host families are feeling the strain.

‘These people, mostly women and children, are extremely vulnerable and need our support and prayers.’