UN Inter-Agency Response for Syrian Refugees, February 15 – February 22, 2013

Highlights of the week

• UNHCR registered more than 10,000 Syrian refugees this week;

• The Official border crossing of Al Arida in north Lebanon closed on Monday February 18 due to overnight shelling from the Syrian side;

• Over 60,000 winter clothes vouchers, electric heaters, blankets, pillows, mattresses, hygiene and baby kits were distributed this week;

• Over 17,700 World Food Programme (WFP) food vouchers and 5,000 fuel coupons were distributed to refugees across the country;

• Over 3,165 newly arrived Syrian refugees were visited, counselled and assisted this week - An open strike was launched on Wednesday by school teachers and public servants who protested outside government headquarters across Lebanon and demanded a pay raise;

• Some 3,000 refugee patients received primary health care services this week;

• Over 650 patients were admitted to IMC, Caritas, and Makhzoumi Foundation-supported hospitals in Beirut, north Lebanon and the Bekaa.