Refugee host communities of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt are among the most affected groups by the civil unrest, as food availability is under threat.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In early January 2011, the protests started off peacefully in Syria, but they later erupted into an uprising by mid-March 2011. Intense fighting has been taking place since then resulting to thousands of Syrians being displaced in neighbouring countries of Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Jordan.

COMMUNITIES AND INTERVIEWS

# Interviews per village – North Bekaacommunities

• Addous 7

• Aarsal 10

• Baalbek 10

• Douris 1

BACKGROUND AND DEMOGRAPHICS

28 refugee households were surveyed, which represented a total of 501 refugees, 48% male and 52% female, which is approximately 11% of the Syrian refugee population in North Bekaa. There were approximately 2.8 families per household, with an average of 16.75 people per HH, with a range of 51 (max) and 5 (min).

The Humanitarian situation relating to the Syrian Refugees in both Jordan and Lebanon is as confusing and ambiguous as the political situation in Syria. Most of the information obtained about the Syrian refugees in the region is based on speculation and guesses, the same regarding plans and future possible scenarios of future humanitarian response. This is due to the sensitivity of the political situation in both countries relating to Syria and the uncertainty over how the situation in Syria is likely to develop.

Purpose of field visit:

A Key Informant Survey

Background

The most recent survey on Iraqis in Lebanon, conducted by DRC in 2007, presented two population estimates: a figure of 26 thousand Iraqis which was based on indirect estimation using UNHCR figures and relating them to the proportion registered in UNHCR derived from survey results. The second figure which was adopted by consensus was 50 thousand and it was derived from the GSO data. The first figure reflected

This report presents the results of a needs assessment in the Palestinian gatherings of Lebanon funded by European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (DG ECHO) and conducted by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Premiere Urgence (PU).

The objective of the assessment was to identify the urgent housing, water and sanitation needs in the Palestinian gatherings of Lebanon.

PU and NRC also took the opportunity to have a more accurate understanding of the demographics of the gatherings, something that previously has not been covered to any degree of accuracy.

The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA) has released the 8th Edition of "To Walk the Earth in Safety," a report summarizing the accomplishments of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program, the world's largest such operation.

In 2008, the Department of State provided $123.1 million in mine clearance and weapons destruction assistance to 35 countries. Among the report's success stories is Cambodia, where U.S.

This research was undertaken in eight countries that are currently experiencing or have experienced armed conflict or other situations of armed violence. The aim was to develop a better understanding of people's needs and expectations, to gather views and opinions, and to give a voice to those who have been adversely affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The eight country opinion surveys will be complemented by more in-depth research (qualitative survey).

This research has been commissioned by

This joint working paper lays out a rationale and strategic framework for improving food security and managing food-price shocks in the Arab countries. The paper does not provide country specific policy and project recommendations. Such recommendations will follow from the country by country application of the framework, taking into account each country's political and cultural preferences, resource endowments, and risk tolerance.

In 2007 and the first half of 2008, a sharp rise in agricultural commodity and food prices triggered grave concerns