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Families face hardship during winter in Khan Dunoun shelter

30 December 2016

Palestine refugee families who live in damaged homes and temporary shelters in Syria struggle to stay warm this winter. Many of them have been displaced several times, traumatised by the ongoing war and suffer from immense losses. Now, for a fifth winter in the merciless conflict, they are faced with plummeting temperatures and uncertain futures.

UNRWA launched its winter fundraising campaign #shareyourwarmth in December 2016 to support the needs of this vulnerable population affected by the Syrian crisis and bring respite during the cold months.

The #shareyourwarmth campaign, running from 15 December 2016 to 28 February 2017, brings to light  immense hardship faced by Palestine refugees in Syria (PRS), as well as those who have fled to the neighbouring countries of Jordan and Lebanon. The goal is to raise US$ 750,000 to provide winter assistance comprised of blankets, food, fuel and shelter for the most vulnerable during the freezing winter months.

Winter has come and the 280,000 individuals who are internally displaced, living in collective shelters or residing with host families across Syria, rely on humanitarian assistance. To support the Palestine refugee families in Syria enduring the cold months, UNRWA has launched the #shareyourwarmth campaign. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDue to the war, the unemployment rate is estimated at 60 per cent, making it hard for families to make ends meet. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadHassan, the father of four children, arrived at Khan Dunoun shelter five years ago where he lives in a tent with his family. “I always saw the winter season as something positive, but now that I face these harsh conditions, I have started to hate it. I do not have a job and I am fully dependent on aid provided by UNRWA”. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadBefore the crisis, Palestine refugees from Rif Damascus were among the poorest of the pre-crisis community. The negative repercussions of the war and the cold winter temperatures have made hardship even more acute. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadYouth in Syria have been labeled as a lost generation. Impoverishment caused by the war means that many young people drop out of school and work in order to earn enough income to help support their families. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadThe conflict has affected everyone in Syria. Women are increasingly reporting that they have become the sole breadwinners of their home. Ameenah lost her husband, father and brother during the conflict. She is a mother of five and struggles to provide for her family, especially during winter. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadDespite the hardship and sadness, Ameenah’s son Ali explains that he confronts the freezing temperatures by thinking of the wellbeing of his family members. Although the 13-year-old boy feels cold, he does not mind taking off his only jacket to give to his little sister. “And I often sing to try to forget our miserable situation”, he says. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadOver 60 per cent of Palestine refugees from Syria have been displaced more than once. Many fled only taking the garments they were wearing. For displaced growing children, the need for new clothes is never ending. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadFor elderly people, winter seems even harder. Sixty-two-year-old Mithqal, who has five sons and four daughters, arrived at Khan Dunoun shelter in 2012. “The water freezes in the morning and we can’t wash our hands. We suffer from the cold and the lack of heat”. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadAisha is 38 years old and lives together with her husband and three children in Khan Dunoun shelter. “The cold really kills us. Last night, when my daughter was trying to sleep, she woke me up shouting. I lit the kerosene heater to provide her warmth, but it was empty”. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadStaying warm is hard as accommodations in Syria are often poorly insulated. Although winter is shorter in the Middle East, the cold is immediate and traditional heaters only offer temporary comfort. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid MohammadEvery bit of support can help bring a smile to a child’s face. Please #shareyourwarmth with Palestine refugee families, and rest assured that what you give will help a family make it through the winter. Khan Dunoun, Syria. © 2016 UNRWA Photo by Taghrid Mohammad

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