World Vision Australia welcomes the Government’s announcement of humanitarian aid funding for people affected by the fighting in Syria, but warns the number of refugees seeking shelter continues to grow.
More than 700,000 refugees have fled from Syria to neighbouring countries since violence broke out almost two years ago. Another 2.5 million people have been displaced within Syria itself, and more than 60,000 people have died.
Australia’s commitment of $10 million, to be spent on emergency medical treatment, food, water and essential items for people affected by escalating conflict, comes as refugees in Lebanon face one of the harshest winters in decades.
World Vision Australia’s head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Anthea Spinks said children caught up in the conflict had often witnessed violence, been separated from their families while fleeing, or found themselves unable to continue their education once out of Syria.
“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,” Ms Spinks said. “The harsh winter has been an extra burden for people already struggling to survive.”
World Vision staff working in Lebanon reported that one health clinic alone was seeing five to six cases of childhood pneumonia a day. In another case, a four-year-old girl was found living on a park bench for three weeks while temperatures regularly fell below freezing.
“The Australian government has responded to an extraordinary amount of need in Syria and neighbouring countries,” Ms Spinks said. “But the number of people who have nothing after running from the fighting to countries such as Lebanon is growing.”
The United Nations estimates aid agencies will need $1.5 billion to help refugees outside Syria, and internally displaced people still living there.
World Vision is helping Syrian refugees in Lebanon by providing stoves, food and cooking implements, hygiene kits, warm clothes and blankets. World Vision is also running child friendly spaces so children have safe places to play, as well as access to educational and emotional support.