Millions of people displaced by conflict or persecution in Ukraine, Afghanistan and across the Middle East could face a dangerous winter as sub-zero temperatures add to misery already being fueled by rising prices, the lingering impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions was weather. related to the climate crisis.
UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, warns that the coming winter will be far more challenging than in recent years for many of the world's forcibly displaced people. According to UNHCR, many displaced families will have no choice but to choose between food and warmth as they struggle to heat their shelters, get warm clothing and cook hot meals.
Across the Middle East, many displaced Syrians and Iraqis will once again struggle with extreme cold and snowstorms. For many, this will be their 12th consecutive winter of displacement.”
UNHCR estimates that 3.4 million Syrian and Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt will need urgent assistance to prepare for and cope with the winter,” UNHCR said this week in A statement The severe economic crisis is pushing everyone to the brink, nine out of ten Syrian refugees are already living in extreme poverty, forcing them to reduce their food consumption and stop medical care for their basic needs.
Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes by the ongoing war fleeing the winter or living in damaged houses or buildings not adequate to protect them from the biting cold, with cut electricity, heating and water supplies and lost livelihood.
In Afghanistan, where winter temperatures can easily drop to -25 degrees Celsius in parts of the country, many displaced and conflict-affected families will be exposed to the elements. The winter comes amid a sharp economic downturn and just months after the June earthquake in the south-eastern provinces of Paktika and Khost left thousands of people with devastating casualties and damage to their homes.
The flash floods and drought of continue to wreak havoc on lives, property and livelihoods, while some regions of Afghanistan continue to report new displacements
The UN refugee agency announced that it has launched a global winter fundraiser to help families who have been forcibly displaced in the above operations to meet their most pressing needs during the coldest months of the year. Winter clothing, thermal blankets, home repairs, solar panels and lights, gas cylinders and cash support to cover other essential winter needs including heating,” he added.