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Syria crisis

The conflict in Syria has resulted in a severe and worsening emergency. 


More than 700,000 refugees have now fled into neighbouring countries since the onset of the crisis in March 2011. Those who have fled are in desperate need of shelter, food, water and medical care. Oxfam is scaling up its response to help families through the harsh winter months.

Donate to Oxfam's Syria response 

Video: Thousands flee crisis in Syria

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Updates from Oxfam

The situation

With the arrival of winter and plummeting temperatures, tens of thousands of vulnerable refugees sheltering in camps in Lebanon and Jordan are facing winter in tents without heat or adequate access to other basic needs. Inside Syria, millions are struggling to cope with escalating food prices, and WFP has warned that hunger is on the rise.

The UN estimates that 4 million Syrians are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance inside the country, while an estimated 700,000 people have fled to nearby countries. As well as Syrians, more than 12,000 Palestinian refugees have fled to existing camps in Lebanon. As fighting continues to rage in Syria, the numbers of displaced are expected to increase.

Families have arrived exhausted and traumatised. Some have faced bombs and bullets to get here. Now, they are trying to get through one of the most brutal winters in the last two decades with almost nothing. Most families have to rely on the generosity of relatives and neighbours. Along with local organisations Oxfam is trying to help thousands of families through this difficult winter period; but we could do so much more if we had more funds.


Francis Lacasse, Oxfam Syria Crisis Response Manager, Lebanon


What Oxfam is doing to help

Oxfam is currently working in both Lebanon and Jordan where we plan to assist 120,000 people. We are also trying to gain access to people in need in Syria through the United Nations and official channels and are also negotiating with Syrian organisations to deliver urgent humanitarian aid.

In Lebanon, our local partners are supplying psycho-social support and counselling for refugees. They have started distributions of blankets, stoves and hygiene kits and are working to ensure that people have access to medical services. 

Blog: Happy to see a heater at Al Jalil camp

In Jordan, we are providing water and sanitation for refugees in camps and host communities. In 2012, we distributed hygiene equipment to thousands of people in Jordan and Lebanon.

You can help: Donate now

Update: 28 January 2013

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