Syria Regional Crisis

September 2013

Quick stats•Over 100,000 killed since March 2011

•Over 2 million refugees

•Over 4.25 million displaced internally

•Three quarters of all refugees are women and children

•Caritas is working with those affected in Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon

Huda’s Story“What can I do?,” asked her son, “We have nothing—absolutely nothing—so I have to go into the town and search for work if I’m going to feed the family.”

Huda (74) has difficulty speaking. Her son and daughter-in-law assist her with even the most basic tasks and take care of their five children.

The family left Syria with no savings, and are squatting in an unfinished construction site. There are no walls or facilities. There is no toilet, no bathing facilities, and no kitchen in the construction site. Winter temperatures are nearly unbearable for the whole family who have to sleep on cold concrete.

Caritas gave the family food, bedding and a stove, and searched for a more suitable home.

Many elderly Syrian refugees are unable to move. Photo: Sam Tarling

2011: Start of a Conflict

•Arab Spring uprising in March 2011

•Government heavy handed response

•Rebel groups fight back

Refugees

• Millions have been affected by the crisis

• The Caritas network is providing aid in Syria and to families who have fled to neighbouring countries

Approximately 6.25 million Approximately 6.25 million people are now displaced inside people are now displaced inside and outside of Syriaand outside of Syria

•2 million have fled Syria2 million have fled Syria•4.25 million displaced within Syria4.25 million displaced within Syria•5000 people flee Syria every day5000 people flee Syria every day

Source: UNHCR - Data as of September 2, 2013Source: UNHCR - Data as of September 2, 2013

Adapted from The Wall Street Journal

Support from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand

• Prayer

• Advocacy

• Support to Caritas Lebanon

Lebanon

PopulationPopulationNZNZ

4.425 million4.425 million4.405 million4.405 million

Land AreaLand AreaWellington RegionWellington Region

10,452km10,452km8124 km8124 km

ClimateClimate January 5°C -10°CJanuary 5°C -10°CAugust 18°C - 38°CAugust 18°C - 38°C

ReligionReligion 59.7% muslim59.7% muslim39% Christian39% Christian

Refugee Life in Lebanon

Construction sites

Tented camps

Pyschological care

Health provision

Food Distribution

Relief items

How you can help• $130 could pay fuel coupons to

keep a family warm over the winter.

• $64 could pay for a winter blanket, mattresses and bedding.

• $26 could buy a baby’s hygiene kit containing nappies, baby lotion and other essentials.

Contact

•Call us (0800 22 10 22) to make a credit card donation (office hours)

•Online at www.caritas.org.nz

• facebook.com/caritasaotearoa

Prayer for Peace in Syria

•God of Compassion,Hear the cries of the people of Syria,Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,Bring comfort to those mourning the dead,Strengthen Syria’s neighbours in their care and welcome for refugees,Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,And protect those committed to peace.

•God of Hope,Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies,Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,And give us hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.

•We ask this through Jesus Christ,Prince of Peace and Light of the World,Amen.

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