http://www.irinnews.org/Updated everydayen-gbThu, 09 May 2013 09:30:48 GMTThu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>AQABA 09 May 2013 (IRIN) - Investing in preparation for potential disasters is a “no brainer”, Elizabeth Longworth, director of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), told a recent disaster risk reduction (DRR) conference in Aqaba, Jordan.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/98003/Getting-governments-to-cough-up-for-DRRAQABA 09 May 2013 (IRIN) - Investing in preparation for potential disasters is a “no brainer”, Elizabeth Longworth, director of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), told a recent disaster risk reduction (DRR) conference in Aqaba, Jordan.]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>AQABA 29 April 2013 (IRIN) - Prevention may be better than a cure, but for the authorities in Arab cities and towns, natural disasters up to now have been largely about coping with them after they have taken place.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97941/Arab-cities-aim-to-build-resilience-to-natural-disastersAQABA 29 April 2013 (IRIN) - Prevention may be better than a cure, but for the authorities in Arab cities and towns, natural disasters up to now have been largely about coping with them after they have taken place.]]>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 18 April 2013 (IRIN) - Nearly three months ago, donors pledged $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the Syrian crisis. Today, Kuwait announced the transfer of its pledge of $300 million to international aid agencies and with that, half of the pledges have been fulfilled. IRIN takes a look at the status of the remaining pledges made in Kuwait, as aid agencies threaten to suspend their work for lack of funding.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97877/Promised-aid-funding-for-Syria-reaches-half-way-pointDUBAI 18 April 2013 (IRIN) - Nearly three months ago, donors pledged $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the Syrian crisis. Today, Kuwait announced the transfer of its pledge of $300 million to international aid agencies and with that, half of the pledges have been fulfilled. IRIN takes a look at the status of the remaining pledges made in Kuwait, as aid agencies threaten to suspend their work for lack of funding.]]>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MAFRAQ 03 April 2013 (IRIN) - The Jordanian government is implementing new measures to improve security for the Syrian refugees at Za’atari camp, where theft, riots, fires and throwing stones has become commonplace. But aid workers say the new police presence is limited by funding constraints and has yet to make a difference.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97778/Despite-new-police-presence-security-concerns-persist-at-Syrian-refugee-campMAFRAQ 03 April 2013 (IRIN) - The Jordanian government is implementing new measures to improve security for the Syrian refugees at Za’atari camp, where theft, riots, fires and throwing stones has become commonplace. But aid workers say the new police presence is limited by funding constraints and has yet to make a difference.]]>Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 26 March 2013 (IRIN) - The exodus of educated and skilled Syrians is increasingly depleting the country’s workforce and the quality of its health services, already strained by two years of conflict. IRIN spoke to professionals inside and outside Syria about the difficult choice they faced and the impacts of their decisions to stay or leave - both on themselves and their country.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97736/Syria-s-brain-drain-another-twist-to-the-country-s-crisisDUBAI 26 March 2013 (IRIN) - The exodus of educated and skilled Syrians is increasingly depleting the country’s workforce and the quality of its health services, already strained by two years of conflict. IRIN spoke to professionals inside and outside Syria about the difficult choice they faced and the impacts of their decisions to stay or leave - both on themselves and their country.]]>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>AQABA 20 March 2013 (IRIN) - Nearly 300 government officials, scientists, aid workers and activists from across the Arab world are working together in Jordan to draw up the first joint regional platform for disaster risk reduction (DRR).http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97685/Disaster-Risk-Reduction-in-the-Arab-worldAQABA 20 March 2013 (IRIN) - Nearly 300 government officials, scientists, aid workers and activists from across the Arab world are working together in Jordan to draw up the first joint regional platform for disaster risk reduction (DRR).]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 05 March 2013 (IRIN) - The world’s driest region, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is getting drier at an alarming rate.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97596/Export-oil-import-water-the-Middle-East-s-risky-economicsDUBAI 05 March 2013 (IRIN) - The world’s driest region, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is getting drier at an alarming rate.]]>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>JORDAN VALLEY 22 February 2013 (IRIN) - The 4,000 people of Fifa village in northwestern Jordan rely on seasonal agricultural work in the Jordan Valley, sheep-breeding, and cash and material assistance from the Social Development Ministry, but they and many others are being driven further into poverty.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97528/Jordanians-driven-further-into-povertyJORDAN VALLEY 22 February 2013 (IRIN) - The 4,000 people of Fifa village in northwestern Jordan rely on seasonal agricultural work in the Jordan Valley, sheep-breeding, and cash and material assistance from the Social Development Ministry, but they and many others are being driven further into poverty.]]>Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>KUWAIT CITY 01 February 2013 (IRIN) - The international community pledged more than US$1.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Syria on 30 January, in the most successful fundraising conference in UN history - meant to meet the needs of two UN appeals:http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97395/Breakdown-of-Syria-aid-pledges-in-KuwaitKUWAIT CITY 01 February 2013 (IRIN) - The international community pledged more than US$1.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Syria on 30 January, in the most successful fundraising conference in UN history - meant to meet the needs of two UN appeals:]]>Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>CAIRO 31 January 2013 (IRIN) - Lina Al Tiby, a Syrian activist living in Cairo, runs a support network for Syrian women refugees; helps them adapt to life in Egypt; and tries to persuade them not to allow poverty to push them into sex work or unwanted marriage.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97387/Syrian-refugee-women-exploited-in-EgyptCAIRO 31 January 2013 (IRIN) - Lina Al Tiby, a Syrian activist living in Cairo, runs a support network for Syrian women refugees; helps them adapt to life in Egypt; and tries to persuade them not to allow poverty to push them into sex work or unwanted marriage.]]>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>KUWAIT CITY 30 January 2013 (IRIN) - In the largest ever fundraising conference in UN history, the international community pledged today more than US$1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the people of Syria. But donors said financial resources were not enough: they called for more humanitarian access and respect for the neutrality and safety of aid workers.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97376/Donors-pledge-1-5-billion-in-aid-to-Syria-while-demanding-more-accessKUWAIT CITY 30 January 2013 (IRIN) - In the largest ever fundraising conference in UN history, the international community pledged today more than US$1.5 billion in humanitarian aid for the people of Syria. But donors said financial resources were not enough: they called for more humanitarian access and respect for the neutrality and safety of aid workers.]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>NOUAKCHOTT/DAKAR 09 January 2013 (IRIN) - Sequestering refugees in rural camps is no longer the norm: The most recent estimates indicate that almost half of refugees flock to urban areas and just one third to rural camps, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). But while agencies are adjusting their approaches, they are still struggling to match their response with their policies. http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97203/The-urban-challenge-for-refugeesNOUAKCHOTT/DAKAR 09 January 2013 (IRIN) - Sequestering refugees in rural camps is no longer the norm: The most recent estimates indicate that almost half of refugees flock to urban areas and just one third to rural camps, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). But while agencies are adjusting their approaches, they are still struggling to match their response with their policies. ]]>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>AMMAN/DUBAI 08 January 2013 (IRIN) - Two days of unusually heavy rainfall in Jordan's northern desert have increased tensions in its largest camp for Syrian refugees and forced 300 of them to leave their tents for safer ground, say aid workers, a government official and camp residents.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97197/JORDAN-Tempers-flare-as-heavy-rain-pounds-campAMMAN/DUBAI 08 January 2013 (IRIN) - Two days of unusually heavy rainfall in Jordan's northern desert have increased tensions in its largest camp for Syrian refugees and forced 300 of them to leave their tents for safer ground, say aid workers, a government official and camp residents.]]>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 02 January 2013 (IRIN) - "There is no safe place in Syria any more." The words of one displaced man may be a bit of an exaggeration, but they are symptomatic of how many Syrians feel after nearly two years of conflict.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97154/SLIDESHOW-Syria-apos-s-rising-displacement-crisisDUBAI 02 January 2013 (IRIN) - "There is no safe place in Syria any more." The words of one displaced man may be a bit of an exaggeration, but they are symptomatic of how many Syrians feel after nearly two years of conflict.]]>Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 31 December 2012 (IRIN) - While much of the world has been consumed by quickly changing political and security developments in the Middle East this year, longer-term humanitarian issues have also been simmering under the surface – and sometimes in plain – but neglected – view. Here are 10 stories IRIN brought you in 2012. http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97155/MIDDLE-EAST-2012-a-year-of-continuing-turmoilDUBAI 31 December 2012 (IRIN) - While much of the world has been consumed by quickly changing political and security developments in the Middle East this year, longer-term humanitarian issues have also been simmering under the surface – and sometimes in plain – but neglected – view. Here are 10 stories IRIN brought you in 2012. ]]>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>NAIROBI 21 December 2012 (IRIN) - By the end of 2012, as it neared the end of its second year, the conflict between Syrian rebels and the government had killed tens of thousands of people, sent more than half a million fleeing to neighbouring countries, and left millions more internally displaced, unemployed or otherwise struggling to survive.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97100/FILM-Where-the-war-still-echoes-Syrian-refugees-in-JordanNAIROBI 21 December 2012 (IRIN) - By the end of 2012, as it neared the end of its second year, the conflict between Syrian rebels and the government had killed tens of thousands of people, sent more than half a million fleeing to neighbouring countries, and left millions more internally displaced, unemployed or otherwise struggling to survive.]]>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MAFRAQ 17 December 2012 (IRIN) - Selling packets of crisps under the sun between wind-blown tents at Za’atari refugee camp in northern Jordan, Samir* recalls the days he was able to attend school back in Syria.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97062/JORDAN-Syrian-child-refugees-who-work-culture-or-coping-mechanismMAFRAQ 17 December 2012 (IRIN) - Selling packets of crisps under the sun between wind-blown tents at Za’atari refugee camp in northern Jordan, Samir* recalls the days he was able to attend school back in Syria.]]>Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>DOHA 05 December 2012 (IRIN) - In the last three decades, 50 million people in the Arab world have been affected by natural disasters, many of them extreme climate events, according to a new report by the World Bank. The report projects the horrific scenario of temperatures regularly rising to over 50 degrees Celsius by the turn of the century, which experts fear could lead to countless more disasters.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96974/CLIMATE-CHANGE-In-the-Arab-world-building-fridges-to-live-in-an-ovenDOHA 05 December 2012 (IRIN) - In the last three decades, 50 million people in the Arab world have been affected by natural disasters, many of them extreme climate events, according to a new report by the World Bank. The report projects the horrific scenario of temperatures regularly rising to over 50 degrees Celsius by the turn of the century, which experts fear could lead to countless more disasters.]]>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 24 October 2012 (IRIN) - Aid agencies, human rights organizations and local government officials are increasingly concerned about thousands of people who have fled violence in Syria only to end up stuck at border crossings waiting to enter countries to seek asylum.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96629/Analysis-Not-so-open-borders-for-Syrian-refugeesDUBAI 24 October 2012 (IRIN) - Aid agencies, human rights organizations and local government officials are increasingly concerned about thousands of people who have fled violence in Syria only to end up stuck at border crossings waiting to enter countries to seek asylum.]]>Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 23 October 2012 (IRIN) - When the Jordanian government went about setting up Za’atari camp on its northern frontier for up to 100,000 Syrian refugees, it had limited experience.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96619/In-Brief-How-not-to-build-a-refugee-camp-in-the-desertDUBAI 23 October 2012 (IRIN) - When the Jordanian government went about setting up Za’atari camp on its northern frontier for up to 100,000 Syrian refugees, it had limited experience.]]>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>DUBAI 18 October 2012 (IRIN) - The Syrian crisis has disrupted food imports and exports in the region, raising food prices in Jordan, Iraq and Turkey, but governments have so far been able to contain the impact on consumers by finding new trade routes and absorbing some of the increased cost, according to food vendors, truck drivers and analysts.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96583/Analysis-Syria-and-the-regional-food-chainDUBAI 18 October 2012 (IRIN) - The Syrian crisis has disrupted food imports and exports in the region, raising food prices in Jordan, Iraq and Turkey, but governments have so far been able to contain the impact on consumers by finding new trade routes and absorbing some of the increased cost, according to food vendors, truck drivers and analysts.]]>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MAFRAQ 24 September 2012 (IRIN) - Ahmed Hurani* sits distraught in a dusty tent in Jordan’s Al Zaatari refugee camp, just a few kilometres from the Syrian border, after learning that his father and two brothers have been arrested by Syrian security forces. His injured mother is in Dera’a. For all he knows, she has been taken too.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96376/JORDAN-SYRIA-Anguished-relatives-fear-for-the-missingMAFRAQ 24 September 2012 (IRIN) - Ahmed Hurani* sits distraught in a dusty tent in Jordan’s Al Zaatari refugee camp, just a few kilometres from the Syrian border, after learning that his father and two brothers have been arrested by Syrian security forces. His injured mother is in Dera’a. For all he knows, she has been taken too.]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>KUWAIT CITY 20 September 2012 (IRIN) - Aid agencies and donors in the Gulf region are increasingly recognizing the need for better communication and coordination of their international aid, despite long-standing mistrust of the mainstream humanitarian system. IRIN takes a look at some of the steps in that direction.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96352/Analysis-Towards-more-coordination-of-aid-in-the-GulfKUWAIT CITY 20 September 2012 (IRIN) - Aid agencies and donors in the Gulf region are increasingly recognizing the need for better communication and coordination of their international aid, despite long-standing mistrust of the mainstream humanitarian system. IRIN takes a look at some of the steps in that direction.]]>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>RAMTHA/BEIRUT/DUBAI 29 August 2012 (IRIN) - In Jordan and Lebanon, the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has registered nearly 5,000 Palestinian refugees from the 17-month conflict in Syria. As both countries are already home to large Palestinian refugee populations, the newly arrived have become a political issue - with Palestinians feeling they are treated unfairly.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96202/Analysis-Palestinian-refugees-from-Syria-feel-abandonedRAMTHA/BEIRUT/DUBAI 29 August 2012 (IRIN) - In Jordan and Lebanon, the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) has registered nearly 5,000 Palestinian refugees from the 17-month conflict in Syria. As both countries are already home to large Palestinian refugee populations, the newly arrived have become a political issue - with Palestinians feeling they are treated unfairly.]]>Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MAFRAQ 19 July 2012 (IRIN) - Some Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan are opting to marry off their daughters at a young age believing that marital status offers a form of protection and insurance.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95902/JORDAN-Early-marriage-a-coping-mechanism-for-Syrian-refugeesMAFRAQ 19 July 2012 (IRIN) - Some Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan are opting to marry off their daughters at a young age believing that marital status offers a form of protection and insurance.]]>