Location: Syrian Arab Republic, Middle East

Australia for UNHCR is delivering life-saving emergency relief for refugees fleeing from conflict in Syria.

The current unrest in Syria has led to more than 600,000 refugees crossing into neighbouring Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. UNHCR estimates that 1.1 million refugees and forcibly displaced people will need help in the first six months of 2013.

Refugees are braving severe weather conditions across Syria and the surrounding region. Many of those arriving in camps have no proper winter clothing, blankets, or food. There are currently 14 camps in Turkey, three in Iraq and three in Jordan, however the majority of Syrian refugees live in urban and rural communities.

Please make a donation today and help the UN Refugee Agency provide shelter, assistance and protection for refugees.

How we help

The UN Refugee Agency is the lead agency coordinating the Syrian Regional Response Plan on the ground - a joint effort between seven UN agencies, 27 national and international NGOs and partners, and the host governments of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.

The Response Plan covers three key objectives:

• Registration, monitoring and protection;
• Emergency relief and assistance for approximately 100,000 refugees for at least 6 months and
• Contingency planning in case of a further mass influx of refugees into neighbouring countries.

The key needs of those fleeing are for shelter, basic non-food items (i.e. jerry cans, blankets, kitchen equipment), healthcare and education. With the current cold weather conditions, UNHCR's key priority is providing refugees with gas heaters, extra blankets, sleeping mats, emergency clothing and financial assistance.

Note:  Should the funds raised exceed the amount required to meet the immediate and longer term needs of the people in the affected areas, Australia for UNHCR will direct donations to our Emergency Programs for Refugees to enable us to rapidly address future emergencies as they occur.