Since the civil war in Syria broke out two years ago, the United Nations estimates that more than 6.5 million people have been displaced. Of those, approximately two million are refugees living in neighboring countries. By the end of this year, the U.N. estimates those numbers will have increased to 10.25 million displaced, with 3.45 million refugees living in nearby countries. Half the population of Syria will be in need of aid.
As of September 6, 2013, the number of Syrian refugees who have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. (Graphic: Dale Robbins)
Right now, the U.N. puts the price tag for crisis relief inside Syria at more than $2.9 billion, and the price tag for the entire region — including aid to Lebanon and Jordan, the countries in which many refugees are living — at approximately $5 billion. That’s the largest ask for crisis relief in history. Here are resources through which you can help:
- The U.N. has a complete list of partner organizations helping in the relief effort. If there’s a humanitarian organization you’re familiar with, consult the list to see if they’re active in the region.
- You can donate directly to the United Nations relief effort, either through the U.N. Refugee Agency or the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
- Oxfam and CARE are seeking donations to help Syrians who have fled to other countries. Save the Children and World Vision are collecting donations to benefit Syrian children. Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross are working to meet the medical needs of Syrians displaced by the fighting.
- A roundup at The Guardian’s website elaborates on the work that these organizations are doing in the area.
