UNHCR estimates that more than 14.5 million people have been displaced from their homes in Syria and Iraq, with over five million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Syrians affected by war are falling further into poverty with increasing vulnerabilities. In Lebanon, 70 per cent of Syrians are living below the poverty line and 50 per cent in extreme poverty, while in Jordan 93 per cent are living under the poverty line. With the continued fighting in Iraq, people are being displaced increasingly and becoming more vulnerable the longer their displacement.
This winter assistance plan is part of UNHCR’s continued efforts to put in place measures to support vulnerable Syrian and Iraqi internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees in Middle East to cope during the harsh winter months, particularly between November and February. For the coming winter, UNHCR plans to provide integrated winter assistance to 4.57 million vulnerable Syrian and Iraqi IDPs and refugees with an overall budget of USD 343 million. Multi-sectoral assistance in the form of seasonal cash, core relief items specific to winter, and shelter insulation support will be provided in coordination with partners and Clusters/Sectors. Winterization also includes engineering work for camps and settlements, and improvements of drainage systems.