THE SYRIA CONFLICT

WHAT IS A REFUGEE? A refugee is a person who leaves the country they live in to go to another one, because it is no longer safe for them to live in their home country. If they receive refugee status, it means they can stay and live in the new country.

WHY ARE PEOPLE FLEEING SYRIA? Nearly 12 million people have been displaced from Syria, a country that is well into its fifth year of war. They are fleeing from unspeakable violence in the hope of finding a better life. Torn from everything they know, millions have lost loved ones, homes and schools. Inside Syria there are now nearly 14 million children affected by the on-going violence and more than 7.6 million children are in urgent need of help. Almost 2 million children in Syria are living under siege or in hard to reach areas.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY LEAVE? Thousands of the children and their families that have fled Syria are seeking refuge in Europe. This journey is extremely dangerous and almost 3,000 people have died making the trip. The children that survive these perilous journeys across sea and land are in great danger of abuse and exploitation and often find themselves in unsafe conditions.

Why do you think refugees leave their homes where they were born? How do you think they feel? How would you feel if you were forced to leave your home? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

HOW UNICEF HELPS Unicef has been providing life-saving supplies for Syrian children over the past four years. We continue to work round the clock to keep Syrian children safe from danger. Find out how you can help at unicef.org.uk/Syria Unicef is also strongly advocating that every child who is a refugee should be cared for in a safe place with access to education, health, social and legal services.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Join in with our Bring-A-Pound day on: Xxxx, 2015