Syria Crisis Response February 2013

When a new family arrives from Syria they often just arrive with a couple of suitcases. Even if they find a host family they often need a full winter kit consisting of a heating/cooking stove, a carpet, bedding and extra clothes.

In January 2013 AMURT started to give out food vouchers to respond to the need of the refugees between the large distributions and before assistance from United Nations kicks in for those who registered as refugees.

AMURT was able to supply winter kits in the Chouf district within 48 hours. Here volunteer Amar himself from Syria delivers a stove to a newly arrived compatriot.

Syrian refugee Basar uses one of his food vouchers to shop fruits and vegetables while his daughter tucks in to a banana. In the supermarket he gets essentials like grains and soap.

Project coordinator Anas explains the assembly of a stove to a refugee who just arrived a couple of days prior after his house in Syria was destroyed by shelling.

Its the grace of God that AMURT helped me today Basar says. This morning the owner of the house where I live was threatening to evict me and I would have been on the street with my family.

In exceptional cases AMURT provides emergency rental support. We were living in a place without utilities and it was hard for me to keep the children healthy Nuur explains. Thanks to AMURT we now have a simple small but clean place to live.

In November and December 2012 AMURT partnered with the Saudi Relief Committee, the government of Qatar and Islamic Relief to distribute food rations.

Since November 2012 AMURT started distribution of winter items in partnership with the government of Qatar, UNHCR and Islamic Relief.

Stories from October 2012 assessments and interviews

During a home visit, an AMURT representative talks to refugee families about their needs and opportunities in Lebanon.

Zahraa and her family arrived in Lebanon as refugees from Syria a month ago. For the first two weeks they stayed at a construction site but are now in temporary housing. AMURT helped Zahraa to go to school and provided her family with bedding and other necessities for the winter.

These siblings escaped from Syria with their mother. Their father had to stay behind as he is on dialysis and the treatment is beyond their means in Lebanon. AMURT helped this family with clothes and bedding in preparation for the cold months ahead. Mohammed, a grandfather, took shelter with relatives in western Syria, but had trouble even buying bread, as the streets were too dangerous to enter. He used his savings to pay an extortionate fee to a driver to take him across the border. It was like escaping from jail, Mohammed said. The driver took a lot of money because he risked his life we could have died there in the street. AMURT organized much-needed medical supplies and winter items for Mohammed and his family.

Abedrahman receives blankets for his family and chats to AMURT representative.