UNHCR trucks laden with tents arriving Islahiye 1 refugee camp

Two UNHCR trucks arrive at Islahiye 1 refugee camp in province with a batch of new tents. Islahiye 1 refugee camp, which was opened in March 2012, is currently hosting more than 8,600 Syrian refugees according to information provided by the Turkish authorities. As a sign of solidarity and cooperation, UNHCR supports ’s response since the beginning of crisis with donation of core relief items for both camp and non-camp Syrian refugee population. Replacement of the tents, especially ahead of winter, is one of main priorities along with distribution of winterization aid (winter relief items like stoves, heaters, waterproofing kits, thermal blankets, additional plastic tarpaulins, winter clothing etc.). These four season tents are non-flammable, water- proof. As it has been in previous years, this year, helping refugees through the winter remains an on-going, rolling assistance effort and UNHCR along with other UN agencies have been working on their preparedness plans jointly with Turkish authorities. For the winter of 2015-16, UNHCR's winter aid programme will help 362,000 Syrian refugees in both camp and urban settings, including the distribution of thermal blankets, radiators and anoraks, warm clothes, winter boots and cash assistance to vulnerable families in urban areas. We will also replace tents if needed in some of the camps. UNHCR will also provide cash assistance to 6,000 of the most vulnerable non-Syrian refugee households (including Iraqis) living outside of camps, in association with our partners and local authorities. The programme also includes winter aid for 15,000 Iraqi refugees in camps in southern Turkey. Some Syrian refugees living in Islahiye 1 refugee camp volunteered to help for unloading of the tents. Mohammed, 25 years old, was one of the volunteers and helped to facilitate others to come together to join hands.

Ayse (on left bottom corner) along with her family are among the ones who have received new tents in Islahiye 1 refugee camp. Ayse (40) from a village near Latakia has 2 brothers, both born with serious physical and mental disabilities. They rely on Ayse’s support to lead their daily lives. Ayse contently says, `We now have more space to move around,`.

Drinking coffee is very much part of everyday life in Syria and offering one to a guest visiting you is one of well-respected traditions. We visited a Syrian family living in Islahiye 1 refugee camp with 3 children for three years now and conversed with them over a cup of coffee in their newly replaced tent. Emine (35) (on right bottom corner) says `With winter approaching, it is very important that we have the best. Our children sleep here every night `.