Syrians Refugees exceed 35,000, United Nations Seek International Aid

Nov 14, 2012 08:13 AM EST

According to United Nations, the latest statistics report shows that the number of registered and non-registered refugees in Lebanon has exceeded 10,000, which follows the statistics of Turkey and Jordan. The United Nations Relief Agencies has been providing humanitarian support to Syrian refugees who fled their country.

Melissa Fleming, the spokesman of UNHCR, said at a press conference in Geneva that the Syria army conflict is ongoing. The number of refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries has also increased.

Syria has been wrecked by violence; at least 20,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad 20 months ago. The violence has spawned more than 380, 000 refugees while more than 2.5 million people are in need of humanitarian relief, according to UN estimates.

Unfortunately, the recent unrest in Lebanon had temporarily disrupted UNHCR operations, including registration of refugees in Tripoli, Akar, Beirut and Saida in southern Lebanon.

Fleming said that many people are on the boarder and are traveling to neighbouring countries. This flow has not shown any decrease, nor is it going to decrease by anytime soon. Following up with her previous call to European countries to show solidarity with Syrian refugees, she reiterated again that they must recognize and show sympathy on the situation in Syria.

Since last week, humanitarian organizations have distributed non-perishable food items, blankets, bedding, personal hygiene items, cleaning materials and plastic storage cabinets from the emergency warehouse in Erbil.

Fleming urged, as winter is already here, humanitarian reliefs face huge challenges and are in great need of support and help from countries around the world.

United Nations announced the proposed plan to help Syria four weeks ago, urging countries to donate 4.87 billion in financial aid. Until now, only one third of the money is confirmed. United Nations encouraged countries to give and help generously so that the refugees in Syria are able to have food, shelters, medications and other necessities to get through winter.