Situation Report Update
Syria
January 2013
The ongoing conflict in Syria between the government and opposition forces continues to displace families. Estimates of the number of people displaced internally within Syria vary, from two million (United Nations) to 3.2 million (Syrian prime minister). Some governorate-level officials suggest the figures may be even higher.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey at more than 500,000.
Response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) continues to support our mission partner the National Evangelical (Presbyterian) Synod of Syria and Lebanon and our ecumenical partners in the ACT Alliance as they respond to the growing number of displaced people from the crisis in Syria. PDA support has enabled emergency food packages, hygiene kits, bedding, and portable stoves, health and psychosocial care. Most recently warm boots for children in the Za’atri refugee camp located in Jordan has been provided.
View recent video from ACT Alliance.
PDA is a member of the ACT Alliance.
How you can help
Give
Please generously share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000081 – Middle East. You can write Syria of the reference line to further let us know your specific intent.
Act
The action taken at the 220th General Assembly (2012) calls for advocacy urging the U.S. government
- to support a mediated process of cessation of violence by all perpetrators, including the Assad regime and armed opposition groups,
- to call for all outside parties to cease all forms of intervention in Syria,
- to support a strong and necessary role for the United Nations, possibly including observers and peacekeeping forces, and
- to refrain from military intervention in Syria.”
Pray
Almighty God, creator of the world and the nations, we bring before you all those caught up in the conflict in Syria. We pray for families who have been forced to flee their homes; keep them safe on their travels and arrival in foreign lands. We pray for those who are experiencing the pain of personal loss and for families who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
