NEW YORK (January 13, 2015) – Amid harsh winter conditions, UNICEF has delivered warm clothing, blankets, heating supplies, cash and vouchers to more than 900,000 children in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

As the Syria conflict nears the end of its fourth year, UNICEF estimates that at least 7 million children displaced within Syria and living as refugees in neighboring countries are in desperate need of assistance. Many continue to live in unfinished buildings and inadequate shelters that expose them to sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow and strong winds.

“Given the access constraints and extreme weather conditions, we’ve managed to accelerate our winter response in order to reach as many children as possible,” said Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “The contribution of our various partners—local as well as governmental—has been critical in making this happen even in such difficult conditions.”

  • In Syria, UNICEF winter supplies have reached 350,000 children, and the distribution continues nationwide.
  • UNICEF winter items and vouchers have been provided to 200,000 children in the most exposed areas of Lebanon. UNICEF teams are working to reach a total of 478,000 children in the coming weeks.
  • In Jordan, UNICEF winter kits and cash assistance have benefited 100,000 vulnerable Syrian refugee children and their families in camps and communities.
  • In Turkey, the winter response has reached 62,000 children, including 22,000 children ages 3-11.
  • In Iraq, winter clothing kits have been distributed to over 200,000 children in more than 100 hard-to-reach and high altitude areas.

“While important, these achievements pale in comparison to the numbers of children and families whose lives are being devastated with every day this terrible conflict drags on,” Calivis added. “We appeal to our donors and supporters around the world to give generously to ensure that this work can continue.”

To view photos and video of UNICEF’s efforts, please visit: http://childrenofsyria.info/winter/.

About UNICEFThe United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:

Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org