Attachments
Highlights
• On 26 Feb 2013, the number of Syrians registered in 17 camps in 8 provinces is 184,513, which is a 24% increase since the start of 2013. During the 24hrs of 25-26 Feb 2013, 1,118 Syrians were reported by AFAD as new arrivals Since end of Jan 2013, 14,500 Syrians were admitted and registered in the camps while 8,718 of them returned to Syrian voluntarily.
• Turkish officials estimate that there are over 100,000 non-camp Syrians living in various provinces mainly Gaziantep, Kilis, Hatay and Sanliurfa. Local authorities informed UNHCR that non-camp Syrians are registered/enumarated in coordination centers in Gaziantep and Kilis managed jointly by AFAD and Governorates. In these Centers, Syrians are issued an ID card which give them access to medical assistance as well as assistance mechanisms provided through the sub governorates. In Gaziantep, an estimated 6,000 non-camp Syrias are registered with the coordination centre and more than 25,000 are pending registration appointments. Similar centers are also intended to be opened in Sanliurfa and Osmaniya.
• Despite the openning of the two new sites Nizip-2 and Adana/Saricam, the shortage in capacity to accommodate the new arrivals continues to be a main challenge. While some additional sites are under construction the authorities are also in serach of available space in different cities.
• As per information from Regional MFA Representative, the number of Syrians in IDP camps on the Syrian side of the border (Hatay and Kilis) have increased and is estimated to be about 50,000. Reportedly 10,000 Syrians are across Kilis border while some 40,000 are across Hatay borders of Reyhanli, Yayladagi and Altinozu towns.
• UNHCR has increased in staffing in the southeast region and is covering more camps on a daily basis. Field Teams continued to be present in the camps to observe the voluntary nature of the returns and also provided advice to the newly assigned staff as well as some technical advises on protection related issues such as unaccompanied minors, separated children and camp management. During the visit to the last opened camp (Adana -Sarcam), the local authorities warmly welcomed UNHCR Team and requested to be present more often.