Middle East Crisis: Closure of refugee centre in Syria
09/08/2006
A refugee centre in Syria, housing 130 people from Lebanon displaced as a result of the war, has been evacuated by the Syrian government.
The SOS Children-run centre, based in Zebdein on the outskirts of Damascus, had been providing temporary shelter to scores of families who had fled their homes following the continued fighting in Lebanon. Families received basic needs and medical care and children were kept entertained with activities.
The government department responsible for coordinating relief efforts in Syria took the decision to close the centre, following a change in policy regarding the accommodation of refugees in Syria. From now on, all refugees will be grouped together in large centres throughout the country.
SOS Children will, however, continue to provide support to refugee families for as long as the crisis continues and refugees seek assistance.
In other news, SOS Children’s Village Rafah in the Palestinian Territories received a welcome donation of 1800 litres of fuel from Care International. The donation from the international NGO will enable the continued use of the village’s generator for many days to come - a pleasant respite during these times of ongoing rationing.