The truth about refugees: the reality of being a refugee in winter

When it comes to the millions of refugees that live in places like Lebanon, Afghanistan and Syria, there are many assumptions around the realities facing displaced people during the winter months. While countries like Lebanon typically have a warm climate, particularly in summer where temperatures often exceed 40°C, the truth about refugees facing the winter months is that these countries can also get bitterly cold, wet and unpredictable between December and March. To make matters worse, around 80% of the world’s refugees are from “climate change hotspots,” areas which are more likely to be affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. The effects of climate change, like extreme weather events, are hugely detrimental and increase the vulnerability of refugees and displaced people.

Read on to learn about the reality of being a refugee in winter as we de-bunk the myths about refugees.

Refugees are struggling to survive in the cold weather

For the millions of refugees and displaced people facing winter, a warm home is seen as a luxury. We may be very used to seeing images in the news of refugees in hot, dry countries, but the truth is that many of these same countries face plummeting temperatures.

Afghanistan – heavy snowfall and extreme temperatures dropping as low as -34oC make life as a refugee difficult in the winter months.

Ukraine – seeing a long winter between October and March, Ukraine’s winter average temperature ranges between -5°C and 2°C. However, certain cold spells see temperatures in regions of the country regularly drop as low as -20°C.

Türkiye – hosting many Syrian refugees, Türkiye can see cold temperatures during winter, especially in January, with the average being around 5°C and dropping lower at night.

Lebanon – though the small country has a Mediterranean climate, the mountainous regions will often experience snowfall and heavy rain in the winter months. With the onset of winter, UNHCR is concerned that conditions for those affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon will only worsen. UNHCR has already started dispatching essential winter assistance for recently arrived families.

The chances of contracting a respiratory illness are heightened

With these cold spells hitting come a higher chance of vulnerable people contracting respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Many refugees live in makeshift shelters which lack any proper heating or electricity and are, often times, damaged! This means they are very exposed to the elements, particularly during the winter months.

Refugees often have limited access to warm clothing and essentials such as bedding and blankets, so their living conditions are extremely poor.

Firewood and coal can also be expensive to source or difficult to obtain.

Limited access to food

For refugees, the winter months make accessing adequate food harder than ever, with many families unable to afford basic necessities. This is bad news for everybody, but even worse news for those who are already vulnerable.

Lack of access to food can lead to malnutrition, which worsens health conditions and is extremely dangerous for both adults and children.

Reduced access to clean, safe water

Extreme temperatures can cause water pipes to burst and many refugees struggle with unhygienic sanitation and lack of access to clean water. Fresh, safe water is a basic necessity and should be readily available to every individual. Unfortunately, refugees are forced to rely on water that could make them and their loved ones ill, with the spread of waterborne diseases a real threat.

The psychological effects winter has on refugees

Life as a refugee is hard enough – imagine having the added stress and worry of freezing temperatures that threaten the health of yourself and your family. All the elements mentioned above can take a huge toll on displaced people, with both adults and children vulnerable to significant mental health problems.

How UNHCR is supporting refugees this winter

UNHCR is on the ground providing lifesaving aid and essentials to help families survive the freezing cold winter months. This includes:

• Cash assistance – Most refugees escape with only the bare essentials – just the clothes they’re wearing and a few belongings they can carry. UNHCR offers cash assistance to the most vulnerable families, helping them survive and rebuild during the hardest times.
• Relief items and survival kits – UNHCR provides many relief items such as hygiene kits, blankets, winter clothes, food and water to refugees across affected countries. These are vital to supporting refugees in winter.
• Medical aid – UNHCR trauma kits are emergency medical supplies that assist hospitals in performing urgent surgeries and delivering critical care. The kits are often provided in times of need, such as when facilities are overstretched.
• Shelter & housing – UNHCR teams are actively working with partners and local authorities to urgently find safe shelters for those affected.

How to help refugees right now…

The first step is understanding the truth about refugees, so thank you for taking the time to read this; we hope it’s inspired you to make a difference, however small. There really is so much you can do, from donating to fundraising to welcoming displaced people into your community and spreading awareness. Whatever you do and however small, you can have a positive impact on those affected ‒ every effort counts.

Useful links:

Support the current Lebanon crisis >>

More information on helping refugees >>

Read more refugee facts >>