Adla: A teenage girl with no change of clothes
Among the more than 60,000 people who have crossed the border in that time is Adla Rasol, 15, who came with her mother and father and seven brothers and sisters, ranging in age from 19 to three.
Their flight was sudden. They walked to the border, bringing only the things that they could carry.
A mother wishes for peace for her children’s sake
By Chris Niles ERBIL, Iraq, 18 September 2013—Shereen’s youngest child is named Ayenda, which she says means ‘future’. The mother of two is worried about Ayenda, who is seven months old and has diarrhea. Two trips to a clinic in Kawergosk refugee camp have not cured her.
Support for Syrian children who arrive at Za’atari refugee camp, Jordan – alone
By Melanie Sharpe UNICEF and partners are working to identify and protect Syrian children who have taken the perilous journey to Za’atari refugee camp, Jordan – alone. ZA’ATARI REFUGEE CAMP, Jordan, 20 September 2013 – At a protection centre for Syrian children who arrive at Za’atari refugee camp by themselves, 12-year-old Ahmad* smiles, rubs his […]
UN assessment mission assesses humanitarian needs in Syria’s Dara’a city
By Mohamad Kanawati DARA’A, Syria, 17 September 2013 — I was part of a UNICEF team that joined with five other UN agencies on a recent humanitarian assessment mission to Syria’s south. The aim was to assess the situation in Dara’a, deliver emergency supplies, and meet with partner agencies.
An aid worker’s first impressions of Erbil
By Chris Niles ERBIL, Iraq, 16 September 2013 —The story of Erbil is a long one. Urban life began here in 6,000 BCE, which puts it among the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth. It’s been ruled by the Medes, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, and that’s not even a complete list.
Distribution of UNICEF school bags with stationery to children in Syria
By David Youngmeyer UNICEF, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and other partners around Syria, is supporting a Back to Learning campaign which aims to reach 1 million conflict-affected primary school-aged children.
Back to school at Baherka camp, Iraq
By Chris Niles ERBIL, Iraq, 16 September 2013 —Nergiz Ibrahim, 29, has a composed demeanor and speaks English precisely—the result of an English degree from the University of Damascus. This morning in Baherka Refugee Camp she’s wearing a teeshirt which marks her out as one of the volunteers who’s working with the camp’s children.
Local Kurdish students help prepare Syrian refugees’ return to school
By Chris Niles SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq 14 September 2013—It’s over 40 degrees centigrade in the new Arbat refugee camp in northern Iraq. But that hasn’t stopped dozens of young Syrian refugee children from lining up for something they’ve been eagerly looking forward to—the first day of school.
Displaced from her home in Homs, Amanda enjoys art & sport activities
By David Youngmeyer TARTUS, Syria, 9 September 2013 – Amanda, 7, eats popcorn from a paper cone as she takes a break from an activities programme for displaced children in eastern Tartous governorate.
UNICEF helps children displaced by Syria conflict return to sense of normality
Field Diary By Alma Hassoun Tartous, Syria, 6 September 2013 — In a peaceful mountain area of rural Tartous, western Syria, the fighting and destruction affecting other parts of the country seems very far away.
UNICEF officer says Syrian children need us today
By Chris Niles A UNICEF staff member talks about the toll the Syrian crisis is taking on the children of Al Qusayr – and about those who are working tirelessly to respond to their growing needs.
Syrian refugees flock to Iraq in record numbers
By Mary Mendes ERBIL, Iraq, 26 August 2013 – Rahav picks up my blue UNICEF cap and gently fans me as the discomfort of the scorching heat becomes evident. The gesture is touching considering the long and tiring journey the 15-year-old had to take with her extended family of 26 to seek refuge from her […]