During this last winter, the Middle East faced harsh weather conditions. Freezing temperatures, snow storms, torrential rain and flooding created more difficulties for millions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region. Due to early planning, preparation and procurement, UNHCR was able to provide a timely and efficient response ensuring families were equipped to survive the winter. The winter programme in the region started as early as September and assistance included cash to help refugees purchase needed items and cover heating costs, shelter upgrades, weatherproofing kits, stoves/heaters, blankets and sleeping bags, heating fuel, kerosene jerry cans, as well as winter clothes and boots.
Almost 100 per cent of the total Syrians and Iraqis identified for UNHCR winter assistance have received support. This includes 1.5 million Syrian refugees in the region, 1.1 million IDPs in Syria, more than 94,000 Iraqi refugees in the region, and over 505,000 IDPs in Iraq.