Durable solutions „ Nearly 80 per cent of the initially targeted 3,500 refugees were submitted for resettlement. There were nearly 3,370 departures for resettlement and some 1,150 cases of voluntary repatriation. „ A Flash Appeal launched for non-Iraqi refugees generated an additional 200 resettlement places. External relations „ In 2012, UNHCR met its set objectives by organizing three advocacy initiatives and launching 31 information documents. The most important project was the World Refugee Day celebration, focused on the theme, Refugees Have Talent. Logistics and operational support „ Five agreements were signed with suppliers and local contractors for the provision of NFIs. „ Due to the changing security situation in the country, UNHCR’s warehouses in Douma and Adra were vacated and replaced by a new warehouse close to Damascus Airport. Assessment of results UNHCR’s refugee programme in Syria met its objectives and achieved its main global strategic priorities for 2012. However, the search for durable solutions was severely affected by a substantial contraction in resettlement pipelines. The number of refugees in the country decreased substantially during the year, largely due to the decrease in security. Many refugees who remained became displaced yet again within Syria. However, an innovative short message service (SMS) system call centres and hotlines enabled UNHCR to maintain access to them. With the aim of reducing the risk to refugees approaching the office, the organization increased assistance for winterization and food, and began providing larger amounts in cash assistance, thus requiring fewer verification visits. The IDP response in 2012 was successful in reaching planned targets. UNHCR rapidly adapted existing capacities and created an IDP unit to cover NFIs, shelter, cash disbursements, health and protection, including community services. Through participation in the inter-agency Syrian Humanitarian Assistance Response Plan (SHARP), UNHCR became a major player and the leading agency in several sectors. Assistance with NFIs alone reached more than 450,000 individuals – 90 per cent of UNHCR’s target and a significant 75 per cent of the United Nation’s overall NFIs target for the year. Constraints The lack of security and difficulties in reaching people of concern were the main challenges in delivering protection and humanitarian assistance for UNHCR and its implementing partners. The limited capacity of national and international NGOs forced UNHCR to implement many programmes directly. The deteriorating conditions in the country had a serious impact on the situation of people with specific needs and their access to services. Many refugee families were split up when some members decided to return to Iraq while others were either unwilling or unable to do so. This created new groups with specific protection needs, such as elderly people separated from their relatives, or separated parents. The closure of three community centres, including one which targeted one of the largest refugee-populated areas in Damascus, left many people of concern isolated and without support. Unmet needs „ „ „ Despite effective programme implementation and delivery of assistance to IDPs and other affected populations, community services could not reach some 80,000 individuals. More than 90,000 IDPs living in collective centres did not receive support. More than 40,000 IDPs were not provided with primary health care services. Working with others UNHCR participated in the preparation and coordination of the SHARP launched by the Syrian Government. Under the plan, the organization worked with the Ministries of Labour and Social Affairs, Education, Local Administration and Health. UNHCR coordinated and led interventions by the community services, NFIs and shelter sectors. Partnerships with national and international NGOs for refugee protection and assistance were extended to the humanitarian response to IDP situations. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent was designated as the leading national provider of humanitarian relief and was a key partner of UNHCR, particularly with regard to NFIs and health services. | UNHCR Global Report 2012 • Syrian Arab Republic • 3 |