Syrian Refugee Crisis results in UN’s Largest Emergency Appeal

According to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees the number of Syrian refugees is now over

2.3 million. The UNHCR also says that within Syria there are 4.2 displaced people as a result of the civil war that has been going

on between Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad and primarily an al- Quida lead rebel force, with both sides allowing and engaging in

attacks on civilian targets. The Kurds, who are about 9% of the Syrian population and traditionally have had a role in

the Syrian government now are targeted from both al-Assad and the al-Quida like rebels.

The ongoing attacks on civilians have been shocking and heartbreaking. The government has engaged in air rades on civilian

targets, one such raid, on the city of Aleppo, resulted in more than 300 deaths. During the past few months there were some

hints that the U.S. and Obama may have some interest in supporting those at the forefront fighting against the Syrian president

but to support an Islamic absolutist force dead set against any form egalitarianism or freedom of thought seems like

somewhat less than a good idea.

Twenty percent of the people now living in Lebanon are newcomers. They are just some of those that have fled the violence and

terror being lashed out against the civilian population in Syria. OXFAM is helping re-settle people in Jordon and Lebanon.

Almost half of the refugees are reported to be children. This is looking as though it may be the harshest winter on record

for the region. With a million plus children, living through the winter in tents, the need is obvious. UNICEF has warned of the

combined effects of a harsh winter living in tents, babies and infants and probably about 200,000 pregnant women. I urge you to

donate to OXFAM and the other charities I will mention related to this issue . In a UNHCR statement on this they say " These

children, women and men have made perilous journeys across country borders in search 0f safety. They are traumatized and

fearful for their lives. Many are also physically wounded or suffering from illness and disease." This sums up the situation and

the need. With the extreme cold that it appears will hit the region over the next few mew months babies, the sick and

young children will be at risk for pneumonia. It is a bit too late for a Merry Christmas, we should do our best to try to

make it as much of a Happy New Year as possible.

I very much encourage you to help the Syrian refugees.

UNHCR
the UN High Commissioner for refugees
1-855-808-6427 OXFAM
1(800) 776-9326
info mho oxfamamerica.org
Doctors without borders
1 888 392-0392
donations mho newyork.msf.org

I welcome any comments. -Brian

brimac6 mho hotmail.com