What's Happening

  • Right now in parts of Syria, temperatures are dropping to near-freezing levels at night.
  • In many refugee and displacement camps worldwide, families don’t have heat and adequate shelter to protect them from the wind and cold.
  • Some families do not have warm clothes, coats and boots after having to flee their homes.
Read about the world's worst crises in 2021.

Crisis in focus

 Displaced families are experiencing the kind of cold weather that no one should have to endure without heat and a roof over their head — particularly at night. Here's what you need to know.

What are the main humanitarian challenges from winter?

On top of the pandemic, families in Syria and Lebanon are now facing a bitter cold winter. The makeshift camps are unable to withstand extreme weather conditions and families need winter clothing, blankets, fuel for heat and shelter to stay warm.

How does the IRC help families during winter?

For those facing cold temperatures in winter, the IRC provides emergency food, shelter, fuel, medicine, blankets and winter gear. We also provide cash assistance so families can purchase the winter items that they need to survive.

Your gift to the IRC will help families in the world’s worst crisis zones.

What can I do to help?

Make a gift to the IRC. Your donation can help us send immediate aid to families facing a bitter cold winter in places like Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan. It can also help us continue our critical programs in more of the world’s toughest places.