The mother who left her home more than five years ago added: “It was a difficult trip to the camp near Atmah village but we feel safer here. One of the displaced families welcomed us in their own tent and we received a new tent the next day. The aid we receive is very helpful as it keeps my little children warm.”

Six years of ongoing crisis have forced more than half the population to leave their country. Inside Syria 13.5 million people are in need of acute humanitarian assistance – 6 million of them are children.

Islamic Relief supported people who fled their homes in Latakia, Hama and Aleppo. In coordination with local communities we reached more than 114,000 people, most of them newly arrived at camps with no possessions.

Shelter items were provided and living conditions were improved by securing better temporary shelters.

A 20-year-old mother, who did not want to be named, spoke with Islamic Relief about her experience. The mother-of-two was forced to leave her home in Al Sahen Village, Hama, with her children. She said: “The bombing intensified and we had no option other than leaving the village. Bodies were scattered and mothers were running and crying.

 “I will never forget that day when one of the shells penetrated our house and turned the bodies of my father and my brothers into pieces.”

The mother who left her home more than five years ago added:

“It was a difficult trip to the camp near Atmah village but we feel safer here. One of the displaced families welcomed us in their own tent and we received a new tent the next day. The aid we receive is very helpful as it keeps my little children warm.”