1 of 13

Syria Crisis Weekly Humanitarian Situation Report Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey

Date: 23 August 2012

The combination of escalating levels of violence and disruption of services and livelihoods threatens to put more children’s lives at risk. Within Syria, 2.5 million people are affected by the conflict and 1.2million are displaced, half of them children. Syrian children and adolescents face interruption of schooling; limited access to basic services; and psychosocial distress caused by witnessing violence and displacement. In Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey, 171,459 Syrians are currently registered as refugees and more than 15,500 are awaiting registration (UNHCR, August 2012). These numbers do not include the thousands of unregistered Syrian refugees, Iraqis and Palestinians who have fled Syria, nor the host families that receive them. Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from (*) OCHA 5 August 2012. The rest of the figures are calculated based on CBS demographic distribution of 2010.) Total Affected Population (*) 2,500,000 Children Affected (Under 18) 1,150,000 Children Under Five 262,767 Total Displaced Population (a proportion of the above) (*) 1,200,000

Estimated Registered Refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from UNHCR Portal, 23 August 2012) Total Male Female Total registered refugees 171,459 85,730 85,730 Children refugees (under 18) 89,159 44,580 44,580 Children refugees (under five) 32,577 16,289 16,289

Highlights • UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, expressed concern over the growing

humanitarian consequences of intensifying violence in Syria. The UN estimates that within Syria 2.5 million are affected by the conflict, 1.2 million are displaced and that over 17,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the beginning of the crisis.

• Diarrhoeal disease outbreak reported in rural areas near Damascus due to the contamination of water by sewage (UN, August 2012).

• UNICEF Syria provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in Damascus, including hygiene kits and children’s food, for 2,200 children and 2,500 people.

• In the surrounding countries the number of registered refugees increased by 9 per cent from 155,753 to 171,459. Most of the increase in registered refugees came in Turkey and Iraq.

• More than 80,000 children are registered as refugees, some 30,000 of these are below the age of five. This does not include the many tens of thousands of children who are not registered as refugees.

• In Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon every day 10,000 families are provided with safe water and sanitation services. 11,000 children are benefiting from psychosocial support and 10,000 students, 40 per cent of school age children, are in remedial education programmes. In the coming weeks 228,000 refugee and host family children under the age of five will be vaccinated against Measles and will receive vitamin A.

• As the crisis is prolonged, one of the main challenges will be to ensure that all children of school age have access to quality education; such that the problems of today do not leave a lasting mark on their future.

2 of 13

SYRIA

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs

Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from (*) OCHA 5 August 2012. The rest of the figures are calculated based on CBS demographic distribution of 2010.) Total Affected Population (*) 2,500,000 Children Affected (Under 18) 1,150,000 Children Under Five 262,767 Total Displaced Population (a proportion of the above) (*) 1,200,000

An escalation of violence has been reported over the previous two weeks in Damascus and Aleppo, as well as in many towns and villages. During her visit to Syria (14-16 August), UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, expressed concern over the growing humanitarian consequences of intensifying violence in Syria. The most acute needs have been reported in food, shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs), health, and water, sanitation and hygiene. Amos also drew attention to the critical situation of the education sector, as many schools are used as shelter by IDPs. The UN estimates around 17,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the beginning of the crisis in Syria (UN, August 2012). Near Damascus an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease was reported due to the contamination of water by sewage. WHO reported 103 suspected cases of Ecoli and laboratory testing is ongoing (UN, August 2012). The UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) ended. Plans are underway to establish a liaison office in Damascus to support efforts for a political solution to the conflict and respect for human rights (UN, 16 August 2012). Due to the nine day Eid holiday, Syrian government and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) offices were closed this week, and it was therefore not possible to hold any meetings with government or SARC officials. The offices are expected to re-open on 26 August. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Partnerships: This week, proposals were received by UNICEF from several international and local NGOs for WASH, health and education. The proposals are now being reviewed and refined by the Syria Country Office (SCO), and relevant funding sources are being identified. Several of the proposals are based on assessments that have yet to be cleared by SARC, but this is expected after the current Eid holiday has ended. Programme response: The Syrian Government provided UNICEF with a list of 87 approved national NGOs and 8 international NGOs. This allows UNICEF and its partners to further expand their humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in Syria. Accion Contra el Hambre (ACF-E) and SARC conducted on 11 and 12 August a rapid assessment in Hassakeh city of IDP needs. Hassakeh is the governorate with least incidents since the crisis began

Highlights • An escalation of violence reported over the past two weeks in Damascus and Aleppo, as well

as many towns and villages. • UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, expressed concern over the growing

humanitarian consequences of intensifying violence in Syria. The UN estimates around 17,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the beginning of the crisis in Syria.

• Diarrhoeal disease outbreak reported in rural areas near Damascus due to the contamination of water by sewage. WHO reported 103 suspected cases of Ecoli and laboratory testing is ongoing (UN, August 2012).

• UNICEF provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, including: 200 baby hygiene kits, 1,000 children’s food kits and 500 family hygiene kits, expected to benefit around 2,200 children and 2,500 people.

3 of 13

and is receiving an increasing number of IDPs from Aleppo and neighbouring Deir Ezzor. The assessment covered the situation and needs of both IDP families and host communities. ACF-E has shared the report with SARC, for their distribution. WASH: UNICEF is engaging with SARC and international NGO partners on the WASH response. The WASH sector in Syria is operational and UNICEF co-chairs the WASH working group with SARC, as well as supporting SARC with information management. UNICEF provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, including: 200 baby hygiene kits, 1,000 children’s food kits and 500 family hygiene kits. These supplies are expected to benefit around 2,200 children and 2,500 people. Child Protection: UNICEF, UNHCR and SARC are restructuring the Psychosocial Support working group, to accommodate the growing needs of children due to increasing displacement within Syria.

Estimated #/% coverage UNICEF & operational partners

UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target Achieved

Children with safe access to community spaces for socializing, play, learning 60,000 25,700 43

* Figures from the first version of the SHRP Education: UNICEF, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, continues to support 103 school clubs currently providing remedial classes, recreational activities and psychosocial support to more than 17,700 children in rural Damascus, Deraa, Lattakia and Tartous. The school clubs were closed this week due to the Eid holiday. The Education Working Group will be re-established, to be led by the Ministry of Education in coordination with UNICEF. The first meeting is scheduled for 28 August.

Estimated #/% coverage UNICEF & operational partners

UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target Achieved

School-aged children in affected areas in schools/learning programmes 52,500 17,716 34

Children with access to psychosocial support in education programmes 52,500 17,716 34

* Figures from the first version of the SHRP Health: UNICEF is reviewing a project proposal by a local NGO to improve the access to health services of displaced children via mobile health teams in Damascus, rural Damascus, Homs and Hama. The project would provide emergency health services, as well as distributing food and micronutrients, in schools and collective centres housing IDPs. It would also contribute to improving children’s health through capacity building for volunteers, health and social workers, advocacy to community leaders; and awareness raising among IDP mothers on maternal and child health.

Estimated #/% coverage UNICEF & operational partners

UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

Children <5 receiving measles vaccination 1,400,000 284,684 Human Resources: During the reporting period, only 15 of 29 staff were able to report to the office due to security conditions. On 22 August, clashes erupted in two areas close to the UNICEF Office, which prevented 25 out of the 29 UNICEF Syria staff from reporting to the office. Number staff Country Office staff 29 Temporary staff Surge 2 internationals Standby partners 0 Under recruitment 4 Standby partners: none

4 of 13

JORDAN

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from UNHCR Portal on 23 August 2012 Total Male Female Total Affected Population 42,934 22,326 20,608 Children Affected (Under 18) 22,326 11,592 10,734 Children Under Five 8,157 4,293 3,864 A total of 42,934 Syrians have registered with UNHCR in Jordan since March 2011, with an additional 3,964 persons awaiting registration. More than 50 per cent of these are children under 18. However, local media cite Government of Jordan figures of more than 150,000 Syrians in Jordan. According to UNHCR, 11,500 Syrian refugees have been moved to Za’atari camp, and around 1,800 remain in transit centres. While the numbers are high at Za’atari, UNICEF services in WASH and child protection appear to be sufficient to meet demands. The numbers at Za’atari camp are still expected to rise rapidly, and the establishment of the camp and de facto stopping of the bailing system does not appear to be discouraging arrivals. The average rate of Syrian arrivals in the last week was 770 people a day – more than twice last week’s average – with a peak of 1,250 on 21 August. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Partnerships: Led by UNICEF

- WASH coordination meetings – Daily - Child Protection sub-group meetings at Za’atari – Weekly - Child Protection and Gender Based Violence working group meetings – Bi-weekly - Education coordination meetings – Monthly

Led by others agencies, with UNICEF participation - Area Coordination meetings for Za’atari – JHCO – Daily - Area Coordination meetings for Ramtha and Ma’an – Bi-weekly - Health coordination meetings – WHO – Daily - Taskforce meetings – UNHCR – Bi-weekly

Programme response WASH: UNICEF, as the lead agency for WASH, is providing and maintaining safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, solid waste management, along with hygiene awareness and water conservation sessions in transit sites (currently 1,800 people) and Za’atari camp (currently around 11,500 people). Bacteriological testing of water and chlorine testing is being conducted regularly at Za’atari camp. So far, all bacteriological test results have been negative. UNICEF and partner organization German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) are building 800 permanent latrines and showers at Za’atari camp, to meet needs for 20,000 people. As of 22 August, 227 latrines, including more than 90 mobile units, were operational in the camp. Ten mobile toilets are on standby at the camp to address any additional needs. A rapid assessment by UNICEF showed the number of latrines provided at Za’atari camp to be sufficient, as no crowding or queuing was observed around facilities.

Highlights • The average rate of Syrian arrivals in the last week was 770 people a day – more than twice

last week’s average – with a peak of 1,250 on 21 August. • The geological report for the construction of a well (by UNICEF/Mercy Corps) to provide water

to Za’atari camp and host community has been finalized, and the plan for construction is in place.

• UNICEF and partners, including the Ministry of Health, are working together to monitor and prepare a response to WHO reports of high incidence of diarrhoea at Za’atari camp.

5 of 13

Despite the Eid public holiday and the construction of a road to Za’atari temporarily limiting access in the last week, UNICEF water delivery has increased to an average of nearly 400,000 litres per day. The geological report for the construction of a well (by UNICEF/Mercy Corps) to provide water to Za’atari camp and host community has been finalized, and the plan for the construction is in place (expected capacity is 60 to 80 cubic metres per hour).

Estimated #/% coverage

UNICEF & operational partners Sector

UNICEF Target

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved

Sector Target

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved Emergency affected population provided with access to safe water

20,000 **37,860 189 30,000 **37,860 126

Emergency affected population provided with access to soap* and functional hand-washing facilities

20,000 **37,860 189 30,000 **37,860

126

Emergency affected population with access to appropriately designed toilets

20,000 **37,860 189 30,000 **37,860 126

Population having access to hygiene promotion messages 6,700 2,545 38 10,000 2,545 25

Children in schools benefiting from improved WASH facilities

100,000*** 0 0 100,000 0 0

UNICEF Operational Partners: ACTED, THW, Mercy Corps *UNHCR is providing soap **This number includes all people who have been accommodated at transit sites where UNICEF provided or maintained WASH facilities. ***200 schools with approximately 500 students each will be targeted. This intervention will begin soon. Child Protection: UNICEF partner Save the Children International estimates nearly 3,000 children at Za’atari camp have participated in activities in the nine UNICEF tents utilized as Child Friendly Spaces, since 31 July. UNICEF and Mercy Corps have completed the second playground for children at Za’atari camp, and a shade cloth has been erected over the first playground. Other programmes targeting vulnerable displaced Syrians, including psychosocial activities in transit sites and psychosocial and protection activities in other targeted areas of Jordan, are ongoing. This includes work to establish registration, family tracing and interim care for unaccompanied minors, in cooperation with UNHCR, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and implementing partners, focusing on Za’atari camp and transit sites.

Estimated #/% coverage

UNICEF & operational partners Sector

UNICEF Target

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved

Sector Target

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved Children with safe access to community spaces for socializing, play, learning etc.***

3,000 7,193 240 7,000 N/A N/A

Separated and unaccompanied children registered in family tracing and receiving family-based or appropriate alternative care

300* 234** 78 800* 234** 29

Children and family members accessing psychosocial and child protection activities

3,800 3,829 101 10,300 **** ****

UNICEF Operational Partners: NCF; IMC; Zenid ; TdH–Lausanne; Jordan RC;MC; SCI; Family Guidance & Awareness Centre.

*including child protection cases **identified only ***this does not include 2,950 adult family members who have access to safe spaces

6 of 13

****data not available Education: UNICEF is procuring prefabs for 15 new classrooms for public schools in Mafraq, Ramtha and Amman, to assist with accommodating Syrian students in the upcoming school year. UNICEF and Save the Children Jordan are planning to conduct awareness-raising sessions on access to education, as well as to provide enrolment assistance to families and children in transit centres and Za’atari camp.

Estimated #/% coverage

UNICEF & operational partners Sector UNICEF Target As per RRP

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved

Sector Target As per RRP

Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target

Achieved

School-aged children in affected areas in schools/learning programmes

17,000 7,409 49 18,000 7,373 42

Children with access to psychosocial support in education programmes

5,500 5,200* 94.5 9000 5,200 57

UNICEF Operational Partners: Ministry of Education/ Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation, Save the Children International, Save the Children Jordan, East Amman Charity, Yarmouq Baq’a Club and Questscope. *4,700 Syrians, 500 Jordanians Health and Nutrition: Through field visits and discussions with women at Za’atari camp, UNICEF has been informed that lactating women at Za’atari are concerned that the food provided is insufficient and unsuitable for their needs. UNICEF has raised this with partners through the daily health coordination meetings and regular visits to the Jordanian Health Aid Society (JHAS) clinics at Za’atari camp. UNICEF is procuring measles vaccines and vitamin A supplements for a campaign that will cover 228,000 Syrian and Jordanian children under five years in Ramtha, Irbid and Mafraq, including Za’atari camp and transit centres. Vaccinations are planned to begin in early September. As part of this campaign, the Ministry of Health will provide a mobile clinic to Za’atari camp this Saturday to deliver routine immunizations to under-five children. UNICEF will provide technical advice to the Ministry of Health teams on the ground, and through partners will support the identification of targeted children. UNICEF and other organizations, including the Ministry of Health, are working together to monitor and prepare a response to WHO reports of high incidence of diarrhoea at Za’atari camp. Supply and Logistics: Customs clearance has been completed for 140 cubic metres of NFIs with a value of around US$ 100,000, including basic family water kits, rub hall tent (for warehouse space), slabs for latrines, school in a box, Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits, UNICEF tents and plastic sheets, which were received last week. UNICEF is currently mobilizing supplies to meet the immediate WASH and child protection needs of 25,000 refugees anticipated at Za’atari camp. Procurement has also begun for measles and polio vaccinations and vitamin A supplements. A team from the UNICEF Supply Division is supporting the regional supply master plan for the Syria crisis, to respond to the current situation and ensure appropriate contingency planning. Human Resources Number staff Country Office staff (ft) 5 Temporary staff (on mission from HQ/COs) 4 Surge (TAs and SSAs) 8 Standby partners 4 Under recruitment 7* Standby partners: RedR Australia; Canadem; MSB *two of the staff under recruitment will replace existing surge and standby staff.

7 of 13

LEBANON

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from UNHCR,23rd August 2012) Total Male Female Total Affected Population 38,777 18,225 20,552 Children Affected (Under 18) 19,776 10,082 9,694 Children Under Five 7,368 3,878 3,490 A total of 38,777 refugees are currently registered with UNHCR and the Lebanese High Relief Commission (HRC) and it is estimated that an additional 9,432 Syrians are awaiting registration. More than 50 per cent of the registered refugees are children under 18. It is estimated that there are over 50,000 refugees throughout the country and around 5,000 Palestinians from Syria are currently residing in Lebanon. As most refugees are residing with host families in the poorest areas of Lebanon, UNICEF emergency response also covers host communities. Many Syrian refugees continue to reside in border villages in the north. Some of these villages, such as Al-Nurah, Dabbabiyeh and Amaret el Baykat are subjected to regular shelling from the Syrian side and the villages have reached their maximum hosting capacity. As many families are currently living in operational schools in the north and the Bekaa, finding alternative shelters has become a pressing priority as the start of the new school year is approaching. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Partnerships: Field coordination meetings in all sectors continue to take place both in the north and the Bekaa Valley. UNICEF continues to follow up on the situation of Palestinian refugees arriving from Syria, and a meeting was held with UNRWA Chief Field Education Programme to discuss UNRWA plans to integrate Palestinian refugee children from Syria into UNRWA schools. UNRWA is not yet clear on whether the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) will authorize the integration of Palestinian children from Syria in the schools inside the Palestinian camps, and discussions are ongoing. A follow up meeting between the UNICEF Representative and the UNWRA Director will be held this week to discuss how UNICEF can support the schooling of Palestinian children from Syria. Programme response WASH: UNICEF and ACF continue to deliver 800,000 litres of potable water per week, reaching 4,133 children and 2,006 women. A redeemable water voucher system (worth 1,000 litres per voucher) will be introduced next week to ensure that the water supplier can only charge for water delivered to the households. The water supplier will be paid upon presentation of the used voucher to ACF. UNICEF and ACF are currently developing plans to expand the current WASH response in Bekaa to cover more areas where newly arrived refugees are residing. The Project Cooperation Agreement with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) for the distribution of baby hygiene kits has been approved. Meetings were also held with Comitato Internazionale Per Lo Sviluppo Dei Popoli (CISP) and Premier Urgence (PU) to develop a proposal for WASH response in the North of Lebanon. Inter-agency coordination meetings are ongoing in the north and the Bekaa, and donor proposals are being prepared to scale up the response in Bekaa and implement WASH response in the North.

Highlights • UN calls for greater international support to protect Lebanon against fallout from the conflict in

neighbouring Syria, as deadly clashes continue between Sunnis and Alawites in the northern city of Tripoli. The UN Under-Secretary General was reported as saying that tensions remain high throughout Lebanon, easily exacerbated by developments in Syria (UN, 22 August).

• UNICEF continues to deliver 800,000 litres of potable water per week, reaching more than 4,100 children and 2,000 women.

• UNICEF continues to monitor the situation of Palestinian refugees arriving from Syria and a needs assessment is planned in the coming weeks.

8 of 13

Estimated #/% coverage (80%)

UNICEF & operational partners UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

Emergency affected population provided with access to safe water 40,000 Around 8,266 people daily

UNICEF Current Operational Partners: ACF (Bekaa) Child Protection: UNICEF continues to operate 20 Child Friendly Spaces in North Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, including two new Child Friendly Spaces implemented by Amel in the medical centres in El Ain and Kamed El Loz. Mercy Corps is currently selecting staff and training psychology graduates in the University of Lebanon to operate three Child Friendly Spaces, expected to open in mid-September. All implementing partners reported having struggled to engage children in recreational activities during Ramadan, and requested support with capacity building to identify and manage child protection cases. There has been no official needs assessment for Palestinian refugee families arriving from Syria. UNICEF will sign a Small-Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA) with The Palestinian Association for Human Rights, “Witness” in the coming week, to conduct a rapid needs assessment of needs and priority areas. A PCA is also being developed with the Israa Scouts to deliver humanitarian assistance in Bekaa, including recreational and psychosocial activities and distribution of food and NFIs. The Child Protection Child Friendly Space sub-working group met to develop training on child protection case management based on the needs of existing staff. UNICEF is working with UNFPA to establish Sexual and Gender-based Violence coordination mechanisms in Beirut and the field.

Estimated #/% coverage UNICEF & operational partners

UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target Achieved

Children with safe access to community spaces for socializing, play, learning 10,000* 3,700** 37

UNICEF Operational Partners: Save the Children, THD, War Child, Association Cuturelle du Hermel, Mercy Corps * This is the target set for the immediate scaling up and represents 50% of the Syrian children (i.e. 7,750) aged 5-17 years (CFS age group) based on a Syrian population of 50,000, plus Lebanese children (around 2,500). We are revising target figures upwards to accommodate the possibility of 100,000 Syrian and take into account Palestinian children from Syria ** This is the number of children expected to be reached through the existing 20 CFSs. Note that the CFS programme started only in May 2012 and number of CFS has been growing incrementally since then Education: UNICEF, through its implementing partners, continues to provide educational and psychosocial support to 2,050 children. In the coming week, UNICEF and partners plan the launch of the Back-to-School campaign. UNICEF is currently preparing a PCA with the Sawa Group to start mobile education and psychosocial outreach activities for children in remote rural areas on the outskirts of Baalbeck in the Bekaa. Due to rising tensions in the country UNICEF, together with the Education working group partners, will postpone scheduled meetings with principals in the Bekaa. These meetings were set to discuss the absorption capacity of schools and sensitize them on the registration process of Syrian children.

Estimated #/% coverage UNICEF & operational partners

UNICEF Target Cumulative results ( #)

% of Target Achieved

School-aged children in affected areas in schools/learning programmes 6,300 2,050 32.5

Children with access to psychosocial support in education programmes 6,300 2,050 32.5

UNICEF Operational Partners: Iqra’ Association, Save the Children International, Amel Association, Sawa Goup Human Resources Number staff Country Office staff 19 (3 internationals and 16 nationals) Temporary staff 10 (4 internationals and 6 nationals) Surge Standby partners 3 Under recruitment 2 National Officers (NOB) Standby partners: NRC, Irish Aid, RedR

9 of 13

Highlights • The Al-Qaim border crossing has received 4,600 refugees to date, and 1,000 displaced

people are reported to be on the Syrian side of the border waiting to cross into Iraq whenever places become available in the camps.

• During the last week of Ramadan, five UNICEF tents were installed inside the UNHCR refugee camp to be used as schools. Supplies and stationary for 300 children, five blackboards and sanitary kits were also delivered to Al-Qaim.

IRAQ

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from UNHCR,23rd August 2012) Total Male Female Total Affected Population 15,096 n/a n/a

There are currently 15,096 Syrian refugees registered in Iraq. The Al-Qaim border crossing has received 4,600 refugees to date. The border has been closed from the Iraqi side since 13 August and there are more than 1,000 displaced people on the Syrian side of the border waiting to cross into Iraq whenever places become available in the Al-Qaim camps. A total of 470 tents have been erected in these camps, 305 of them fully occupied. The Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) in Al-Qaim has started preparations for a new camp with the capacity to host 500 families. A decreasing number of Iraqi returnees was noted during the Eid holiday, due to lack of busses coming from Damascus. UNHCR reported that some Iraqi families were robbed on the road from Damascus to the Syrian border. There are also unconfirmed allegations of Iraqi returnees being killed by armed groups in Al-Hejera district near Sayda Zainab. Some returnees to Iraq informed UNHCR that their return is temporary. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Partnerships: UNICEF-UNHCR coordination meetings are taking place at Baghdad and Central Zone level to improve the response to refugee needs. UNICEF coordinates with the Government and stakeholders in the field for assessments. Programme response WASH: With UNICEF support, the Dohuk Directorate of Health (DoH) started a hygiene promotion campaign at the Domiz camp targeting around 450 families and around 150 individuals. The campaign will last 10 weeks. During the first week, an assessment of the most risky behaviours in the community will be conducted through interviews with 400 individuals in the camp. Based on the assessment results, DoH will develop educational materials and structure two education sessions each week. The campaign is currently at the behaviour assessment stage. In Western Iraq, UNICEF is leading the WASH sector, in coordination with UNHCR, and supporting the construction of potable and non-potable water networks, and sewage disposal systems; distribution of essential WASH emergency supplies including water tanks, jerry cans, soaps, toilet jars, garbage bags, dustbins, adult and baby hygiene kits, sanitary napkins and buckets; and distribution of hygiene kits to refugees at reception centres. Child Protection: UNICEF and partner ACTED are preparing for the training of the Governorate Emergency Cell members and community volunteers in responding to child protection concerns in emergencies. The partnership with ACTED is being expanded to include child protection response to refugees, returnees and host communities. UNICEF completed a field assessment in Al-Qaim and initial figures provided by the local authorities indicate the presence of 1,507 children below the age of 16. UNICEF contacted the Directorate of Mine Action, to assess the area for landmines and Explosive Remnants of War. The possibility of sending a team to Al-Qaim and conducting an awareness campaign for refugees was discussed.

10 of 13

UNICEF distributed recreational kits and brochures on “psychosocial support for families in emergences” to refugee reception centres in Al-Qaim. The kits will remain in the schools once the families have moved to the camp. A UNICEF tent has been set up at the camp as a Child Friendly Space, and a PCA will be signed with Save the Children to ensure screening of children at the border, emergency referral and management of Child Friendly Spaces. UNICEF is mobilizing the Focal Points involved in the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on grave child rights violations in Anbar to be part of protection monitoring interventions. Advocacy efforts are ongoing to involve the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in the emergency response. Education: The Ministry of Education, Dohuk Directorate of Education (DoE), UNHCR and UNICEF have agreed to expand the current summer school in Domiz camp to 12 classrooms of 25 students each, to accommodate a total of 600 students in two shifts. UNICEF is providing and installing an additional five prefabricated classrooms and constructing two WASH facilities (one for boys and one for girls). During the last week of Ramadan, five UNICEF tents were installed inside the UNHCR refugee camp to be used as schools. Supplies and stationery for 300 children, five blackboards and sanitary kits were delivered to the DoE in Al-Qaim, to be used by Syrian refugee children when school starts. Refugee families living in 13 schools in Al-Qaim have begun moving to the UNHCR camp. UNICEF will support minor rehabilitation work in these schools to ensure they are ready to receive children for the new academic year. Health and Nutrition: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) unit, established with UNICEF support, continued to provide services to refugees in the Domiz camp. The growth monitoring unit screened 51 under-five children since 12 August, and no cases of malnutrition were observed. UNICEF is also supporting the operation of 14 health clinics to provide Primary Health Care services to refugees, as well as carrying out hygiene promotion sessions in all settlements and in camps. With UNICEF support, a measles campaign is underway by the DoH and will continue after the Eid holiday to cover all under-five children. The campaign will also include the vaccination of pregnant women against Tetanus toxoid. Human Resources Number staff Country Office staff 39 Temporary staff 6 Surge 0 Standby partners 0 Under recruitment 18 Standby partners:

11 of 13

TURKEY

Situation Overview and Humanitarian Needs

Estimated Affected Population (Estimates calculated based on initial figures from UNHCR Portal on 23rd Aug 2012 Total Male Female Total Affected Population 74,112 39,279 34,833 Children Affected (Under 18) 36,315 18,528 17,787

There are currently 74,112 registered Syrian refugees in Turkey, housed in eight tent cities and a container city established by the Turkish Government. Demographic data is not provided on a regular basis by the Government and breakdown of age ranges varies from camp to camp. Based on different reports shared by local authorities during the last few weeks, it is estimated that children represent between 50-56 per cent of the overall Syrian population. According to the same sources, the number of male children and adolescents slightly exceeds the number of female children and adolescents. Shortage of capacity in the existing camps continues to be a major challenge for camp officials; therefore new arrivals are still diverted to cities where space is temporarily available in boarding schools. The Government of Turkey has started the delivery of humanitarian aid at the Syrian border zero point. The Government has notified the UN, and the Turkish Red Crescent has informed its interlocutors of this operation. Inter-Agency Collaboration and Partnerships: The UN Country Team is closely following the humanitarian situation in all locations hosting Syrian refugees, and has acknowledged the professional emergency response of the Turkish Government. Given the humanitarian and international protection needs of Syrians entering Turkey, the UN Country Team requested UNHCR to take on a lead role, which UNHCR has been doing since May 2011. Programme response UNICEF continues to monitor the situation of Syrian children in Turkey, but the Government of Turkey has not, for the time being, sought UNICEF’s direct support. UNICEF Turkey received funding to provide safe educational and recreational and psychosocial care for children affected by the Syrian crisis, in alignment with the RRP. UNICEF plans to reach some 22,500 Syrian children with key interventions in education and child protection, and supplies to support these activities have been procured and are being distributed in the camps by the Turkish Red Crescent. Child Protection: On 15 August, the Government of Turkey provided the UN with a list of relief items that are immediately needed in view of the rapidly increasing number of arrivals. UNICEF Turkey will mobilize support to procure the requested playground and sports equipment, covering the needs of up to 50,000 children and adolescents.

Highlights • The Turkish Foreign Minister was quoted as saying that the UN may need to create a "safe

zone" within Syria to accommodate a growing number of refugees. The Foreign Minister added that Turkey would run out of space to accommodate more refugees if the number exceeded 100,000. Turkey will attend a ministerial meeting of UN Security Council members on 30 August (Reuters, 20 August 2012).

• During the last month, the number of Syrians seeking refuge in Turkey doubled and is now 74,112 people.

• Shortage of capacity in the existing camps continues to be a major challenge for camp officials; therefore new arrivals are still diverted to cities where space is temporarily available in boarding schools.

• The Government of Turkey has started the delivery of humanitarian aid at the Syrian border. • UNICEF continues to monitor the situation of Syrian children in Turkey. The Government of

Turkey has not, for the time being, sought UNICEF’s direct support.

12 of 13

According to UNHCR, no detailed information on cases with special needs is provided by Camp Managers (the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate - AFAD) and the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Policy is, for the time being, only present in Oncupinar camp. Since April 2012, UNHCR has observed a sample of voluntary repatriation interviews (2,225 cases / 2,824 persons), and the following sensitive cases were identified during this period: 111 separated minors, six unaccompanied minors, 13 child marriages and 241 female-headed households. UNICEF & operational partners UNICEF Target Children with safe access to community spaces for socializing, play, learning 22,500 Education: According to information shared by government authorities, education - at primary and secondary level - is ensured for Syrian children in all camps by the Government of Turkey. In Oncupinar/Kilis and Hatay camps, post-secondary education is also provided to adolescents. In all camps, kindergarten facilities are also available. Reportedly, Syrian children and adolescents are not attending education centres outside the camps due to residence permit restrictions. According to the same sources, the national curriculum has been implemented in the last year and classes were delivered in Turkish, with the support of Arabic interpreters. Authorities also mentioned that for the next education cycle, camp managers have identified Syrians in some camps (i.e. Oncupinar) with the proper educational background, who will be involved in the education of children, mainly at primary level, as teachers and/or school administrators. With regards to the new education cycle, the registration process is ongoing for all available school levels. No information has been received regarding the policy applied in the camps over the summer holiday. Through the recently procured UNICEF tents and education and recreational materials, it is expected that Syrian children of different age groups, especially adolescents and youth, in the camps are currently being provided with safe, child-friendly learning environments. Health: Camp authorities have confirmed that health care is being provided to Syrian refugees, including gynaecologic, obstetric and paediatric services. Vaccination campaigns for polio were also carried out in most of the camps. Supply and Logistics: Supplies in stock available for immediate distribution are: 100 24sqm tents with supplements of recreational kits and ECD kits; 25 24sqm tents; and 34 42sqm tents. These supplies have been transferred to Adana for distribution to camps by the Turkish Red Crescent.

13 of 13

Regional Support and Funding

The Syria Crisis Support Hub at the UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Office harmonised the use of performance indicators between country offices in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey. This will improve the monitoring of humanitarian assistance delivered by UNICEF to persons affected by the conflict in Syria and the neighbouring countries. Plans for the prepositioning of supplies for Syria and the neighbouring countries are complete, in preparation for scale up of UNICEF operations. Regional Human Resources have assisted Country Offices and the Regional Office in placing 32 staff in support of the Syrian Crisis. Funding: Funding requirements are based on the Second Regional Response Plan and the Syrian Humanitarian Response Plan. As a result of the rapidly evolving situation, both of these are currently under revision. A more than doubling of requirements is expected. Funding Status In millions of US Dollars

Child Protection

Education Health & Nutrition

WASH Coord.& Comm.

Safety, Security

ITC

Total $MM

Syria Required 3.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 0.7 0.2 $18.8 Funded 1.4 1.1 1.1 0.3 - - $6.6

Jordan Required 2.6 5.2 0.4 9.6 - - $17.8* Funded 0.8 6.6 0.2 0.9 - - $8.4

Lebanon Required 1.7 1.6 0.2 1.3 - - $4.7* Funded 0.6 0.4 - 0.6 - - $1.8

Iraq Required - - 0.3 1.0 - - $1.3 Funded - - - - - - $0.0

Turkey Required 1.5 - - - - - $1.5 Funded 0.2 0.1 - - - - $0.4

MENARO Required 0.2 0.2 - 0.2 0.3 0.1 $1.0 Funded - - - - - - $1.0

Total Required 9.0 10.0 5.9 19.1 1.0 0.3 $45.1 Funded 3.0 8.2 1.3 1.8 0.0 0.0 $18.2

Gap 6.0 1.8 4.6 17.3 1.0 0.3 $26.9 *Funding requirement revised up from RRP2 to meet increased need Next Situation Report: 30 August 2012 For further information, please contact Julien Harneis Regional Chief Emergency a.i. UNICEF Middle East and Northern Africa Cell: + 962 795491643 Email: jharneis@unicef.org

Simon Ingram Regional Chief of Communication UNICEF Middle East and Northern Africa Cell: + 962 795904740 Email: singram@unicef.org

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

Thank you for your interest in UNICEF’s lifesaving work. You can stay informed about other UNICEF programs by signing up for our enews.