Middle East: ‘the need is very great’
The UN estimates that over ten million Syrians and Iraqis have been displaced from their homes and are struggling to survive within their own countries, while a further four million have fled to neighbouring countries, it was reported in January.
The numbers continue to grow. 80% of the refugees are women and children. At least 17 refugee children are known to have frozen to death in camps throughout Iraq in recent weeks. Many refugees are in desperate need of winter clothing and heating.