Two years ago Syrians in the relative security of their own country watched the unfolding crisis in Libya descend into a devastating civil war. Since then the tables have turned, and many of those same families find themselves in Libya after fleeing the Syrian conflict, which has left an estimated 6.8 million people (around a third of the population) in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. full report

Libyans in North Africa scared to return home	Egypt rethinks its subsidy system for the poor
Syrian rebels on IHL: In their own words	"Sometimes you cannot apply the rules" - Syrian rebels and IHL

Coffee and patience: a day in the life of a family hosting Syrian refugees

SAADNAYEL, BEKAA VALLEY, 8 May 2013 (IRIN) - The experiences of 1.4 million Syrian refugees are increasingly well-documented, but little is known about the people who open up their homes to host them. How do you organize your house to accommodate people you may only barely know? What are the stresses and strains? Do politics get in the way? IRIN spent a day in the life of a host family to bring you this portrait. full report

Less dependent on food rations

BAGHDAD/DUBAI, 7 May 2013 (IRIN) - The number of Iraqis without secure access to food dropped by more than a quarter of a million people between 2007 and 2011, part of a generally positive trend of increasing food security in Iraq over the last decade. full report

Women yet to regain their place

DUBAI, 6 May 2013 (IRIN) - In the 1980s, Iraqi women enjoyed more basic rights than their counterparts in the region; today, despite steps taken after decades of conflict and sanctions, Iraqi women do not have equal educational or employment opportunities, and many are subjected to gender-based violence. full report

War leaves lasting impact on healthcare

DUBAI, 2 May 2013 (IRIN) - Of all the areas of Iraq’s development that were affected by the US-led invasion 10 years ago, healthcare has probably taken the biggest hit. And much of the damage incurred in the first few years of the invasion continues to have an impact on health indicators today. full report

In Brief: Raids free enslaved migrants/refugees in Yemen

DUBAI, 2 May 2013 (IRIN) - The army in Yemen has started a crackdown on illegal smuggling hideouts in the north where migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa are frequently held against their will and tortured by criminal gangs looking for ransom money. full report

Syria refugees multimedia series – ‘Where the war still echoes’

NAIROBI, 2 May 2013 (IRIN) - This new IRIN film series, Where the war still echoes, follows a Syrian refugee family over the course of a year, from their arrival in Jordan in December 2012. It is an intimate view of their struggles to adjust to camp life, and cope with the violence at home. full report