Attachments
Highlights
• Turkish Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency - AFAD) reported that the total number of Syrians accommodated in 14 camps, in seven provinces increased to 136,319 persons including those undertakingmedical treatment in hospitals and their companions (760 persons) on December 8, 2012 which is about 5% increase since end of November 2012.
• Reportedly, during the reporting period 3,451 new arrivalswere admitted from the borders and some 872 Syrians have returned to Syria voluntarily. According to the official statistics, more than 13,000 Syrians who are registered in Akçakale and Ceylanpınar camps, but are staying outside with their relatives in the nearby villages on permission from the local officials.
• On December 7, 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Islahiye refugee camp in Gaziantep province, while there he met with Government officials and the UN Country Team and visited the refugees in their tents. He conveyed his strong support and sympathy and solidarity to the Syrian refugees. During his meeting with national and international media, the Secretary-General thanked the Government of Turkey for its generosity, hospitality and compassion in hosting the Syrian refugees. Secretary-General also called on the Member States and the international community to provide full support and solidarity both to the affected countries neighboring Syria who a re hosting the refugees, and to the humanitarian agencies working on the ground.
• According to the local authorities (MFA and Governorates), there are some 25,000 Syrians across the border at Kilis (abut 6 ,000) and Hatay (19,000) provinces. Reportedly, the numbers are estimated based on the assistance packages provided by the Turkish Red Crescent at zero point of the border. UNHCR was informed by some of the non governmental organizations that thousands of Syrians are provided assistance in camps for internally displaced persons in Atma and Qah areas across Hatay border.