“At each border point where we have crossed, we have seen UNHCR staff. In your blue vests you have been there greeting us, giving us advice blankets, food, water and encouraging words. Thank you. We feel that you are watching out for us and because of that we feel safe.” Mohammed, a 17-year-old boy from Syria
One month after UNHCR launched its massive emergency response, we are continuing to lead the humanitarian response to the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe. Over half a million people have now made the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, with the tragic loss of 2,980 lives.
I’m sending you an update on the urgent relief that UNHCR has been able to deliver in the first 30 days of the crisis response, thanks to the help we’ve received from our generous supporters.
UNHCR has rapidly expanded its operations across Europe, with emergency staff working around the clock in six key countries. During September, these teams worked for over 15,000 hours: monitoring borders, providing information and advice to refugee families, ensuring the refugees’ rights and safety and meeting their immediate needs for food, water, shelter and medicine.
We are assisting refugees at every stage of their harrowing journey. From war-torn countries like Syria, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan, to the neighbouring host countries, to their points of departure, arrival and transit in Europe, we are on the ground, providing weary families with vital relief, protection, information and support.
At the same time, UNHCR continues to negotiate with the European Union and affected governments to find immediate and long-term solutions to the crisis.
Our donors’ response to this crisis has been remarkable, but the needs remain huge. With the northern winter fast approaching, refugee families will be increasingly vulnerable, exposed to freezing temperatures without adequate shelter. I hope you will continue to support refugee families at this time.
Donate now:
http://www.unrefugees.org.au/europe?WT.mc_id=EDM081015&j=870036&[email protected]&l=1181482_HTML&u=32984200&mid=6212693&jb=0&utm_source=Europe+Crisis+Sept+Appeal+Email&utm_medium=email&[email protected]&utm_content=Donate&utm_campaign=
Thank you for the support we’ve received so far from generous Australians like you. This is a major humanitarian emergency and UNHCR is at the centre of the response. Your donation will is making a life-saving difference for families in desperate need.
To see more information on how your support is helping refugees at every stage of their journey, please check out our report on The First 30 Days of UNHCR’s Response to the Refugee Crisis in Europe.
Naomi Steer National Director Australia for UNHCR
