World Vision fears for Syrian refugees in freezing conditions

Monday, January 14, 2013

International aid agency World Vision is gravely concerned for the wellbeing of Syrian refugees caught in the worst cold snap to hit the Middle East in a decade.

Parts of Lebanon – including the Bekaa Valley where World Vision is working – have been blanketed in snow and lashed with heavy rains and floods.

Lebanon was already struggling to cope with the almost 140,000 registered refugees who had fled the violent fighting in Syria, and the deadly storms that raged over the last week will stretch resources even further.

World Vision Australia is concerned that even more Syrians who have been too afraid to register as refugees with the United Nations will be left particularly vulnerable to the freezing temperatures.

World Vision head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Anthea Spinks said the harsh winter weather could have a devastating impact on people living in substandard housing, without power or heating.

“We have seen parts of Lebanon fall below freezing, snow in the Bekaa Valley, thousands of buildings lose power and schools closed down. There are Syrian refugees who will struggle to survive in these conditions without our help,” Ms Spinks said.

“Sadly this crisis shows no sign of ending, and as always, it’s vulnerable people such as children, pregnant women and the elderly who suffer.”

Many Syrians are living within the Lebanese community, often sleeping in garages or buildings that haven’t been completed yet.

More than 500,000 Syrians have fled their own country for neighbouring ones, often leaving their homes without extra clothes or blankets, and have now found themselves without permanent shelter.

World Vision aims to help 42,500 Syrians in Lebanon by providing food and cooking implements, hygiene kits, warm clothes and blankets.

“We have also established child friendly spaces so children can have a safe place to play, as well as informal education programs and access to expert support if they need it after fleeing Syria,” Ms Spinks said. 

To donate to the Syrian Refugee Crisis Appeal call 13 32 40 or go towww.worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Syrian Refugee Crisis, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Anthea Spinks, Conflict, Disaster relief, Refugee Crisis, Syria

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