Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of severe weather, including sub-zero temperatures, on refugees in the Middle East and southern Europe, and how they are assisting the efforts of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to help those most adversely affected.

This winter has been particularly severe in parts of the Middle East and southern Europe. Many of the refugees affected live in poor quality and unprotected shelters, putting them at greater risk during the winter months. In addition to the direct effects of harsh weather conditions, the extra cost of weather-proof shelters, fuel for heating, blankets and warm clothes, can reduce their ability to afford other essentials such as food, medical care and education.

UK support to refugees in the Middle East and southern Europe is channelled through a range of partners, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). All our partners focus on meeting priority needs at any given time, including the effects of winter. As part of our support to UNHCR, we fund cash assistance programmes in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq which help refugees and displaced people to meet their needs, such as buying warm clothes, blankets or heaters, should that be their priority.