HIGHLIGHTS

• Population movement – refugee numbers in the region continue to increase. Since May 1, there were more than 76,000 new refugees; at least 75% of those registered are women and children.

• Operational – Jordanian Ministry of Health and Interior Ministries agreed to relocation of new arrivals registration to Raba Sahan; health screening including immunization will occur here thus enhancing vaccination activities for new arrivals. In Lebanon, coordination skills training sessions was organized by UNHCR and OCHA on May 9.

With temperatures set to soar up to 104ºF (40˚C) in the coming weeks, international agency Oxfam has warned that the warmer weather will increase health-related risks for Syrian refugees. The aid agency says the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, women and young children, are already facing serious health risks due to a lack of shelter, water and basic sanitation.

ZA'ATRI REFUGEE CAMP, Jordan, May 15 (UNHCR)- Popular Spanish TV presenter Jesús Vázquez visited Jordan this week to highlight the plight of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, particularly the children, and to help raise urgently-needed funds for UNHCR's Syria crisis operation.

"I'm here to listen to what you have to say so that I can help raise awareness in my country about your needs," the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador told refugees on Tuesday in Za'atri camp, which is home to more than 100,000 people.

Amman, Jordan — Ongoing violence in Syria has caused mass displacement within its borders, and has forced hundreds of thousands to flee into neighbouring countries. Today, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced additional humanitarian assistance, including the deployment of a Canadian expert, to assist with the influx of Syrian refugees to Jordan.

One refugee in two is under 18. How will the young Syrians recover?

HIGHLIGHTS

 Population movement – refugee numbers in the region continue to increase. More than a quarter of a million new refugees sought refuge in neighbouring countries since the beginning of April.

By Toby Fricker

For Syrian refugee children living in urban areas in Jordan, being able to continue studying means being able to consider the future.

IRBID, Jordan, 2 May 2013 – Eleven-year-old Hanin proudly arranges her artwork on the living room floor. Her drawings of brightly coloured flowers reflect happier times.

“I like to draw things that happened in Syria because I can let out what is in my heart,” she says. “I enjoy it because it reminds me of home.”

Hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Jordan