For the 2015/2016 winter assistance, UNHCR planning began during the summer months including procurement of critical items to respond to the winter needs in a timely manner. Assistance includes cash to help refugees purchase needed items and cover heating costs, shelter upgrades, stoves, blankets, and weatherproofing kits.
Regionally, for both Syria and Iraq situations, eight per cent of the winter in-kind assistance has been distributed, including shelter insulation kits. A further 52 per cent of winter core relief items (CRI) are in stock, including high thermal blankets, plastic tarpaulin, stoves, kerosene jerry cans and winter clothing. The majority of the shelter insulation assistance has now been distributed. The distribution of CRIs will commence in early November, as planned, to avoid the misuse of items before the need becomes apparent.