UNHCR’s refugee programme in Syria met its objectives and
achieved its main global strategic priorities for 2012. However,
the search for durable solutions was severely affected by a
substantial contraction in resettlement pipelines.
The number of refugees in the country decreased substantially
during the year, largely due to the decrease in security. Many
refugees who remained became displaced yet again within Syria.
However, an innovative short message service (SMS) system
call centres and hotlines enabled UNHCR to maintain access to
them. With the aim of reducing the risk to refugees approaching
the office, the organization increased assistance for winterization
and food, and began providing larger amounts in cash assistance,
thus requiring fewer verification visits.