Highlights
• On 12 Jan 2013, it was reported by the Government of Turkey that the total number of Syrians registered and accommodated in 14 camps in 7 provinces increased to 153,307 persons including 144 in hospitals. This is about 3% increase since the year end figures of 2012.
• Reportedly during the reporting period 3,266 Syrians were admitted to Turkey from the borders while 1,560 Syrians have returned to Syria voluntarily.
• According to the information provided by the camp officials to UNHCR Field Teams, 24,431 children are attending to the schools and kindergarders and 5,361 adults are benefitting from the vocational courses and language classes in 13 camps. It was reported to UNHCR Field Teams that the majority of the teachers in the shools are Syrians while there are also Turkish teachers assigned by the local governorates to provide education.
• Reportedly as of 12 Jan 2013, more than 575,000 polyclinical services were provided to the Syrian refugees in the 9 Field Hospitals in the camps since the beginning of the crisis - April 2011. It was reported in AFAD's information note on 12 Jan 2013 that 91,421 persons were referred to the hospitals in the cities and 8,770 medical operations have been provided to the Syrian refugees in Turkey.
• During the reporting period despite the heavy snow in Adiyaman, Gaziantep provinces, UNHCR Field Teams managed to reach the camps and it was observed that the Government officials have done every effort to ensure the roads to the camps remain open. It was reported by the authorities as well as observed by UNHCR Teams that the conditions in the camps especially in Adiyaman that there was no major problems effecting the daily life in the camps.
• Shortage of space in camps continued to be the main challenge for the local authorities. Reportedly the Nizip-2 camp which will be container site (5,000 capacity) is expected to be opened by end of next