How Canadians can help Syrian refugees

The refugee crisis in Syria has been ongoing since the outbreak ofcivil war in 2011.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agencythere are now more than 4million Syrian refugees.

This week photosof the body of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, found lifelesson a Turkish beach,made international headlines and galvanized international attention for the refugee crisis.

Kurdi,his brother and his mother all drowned when their boat, bound for the Greek island of Kos, capsized.

Their deaths have promptedmany Canadians toaskhow they can help refugees fleeingthe war in Syria.

There are numerousorganizations worldwideproviding support.

The following is a list of some of the larger organizations lending a helping hand.

United Nations Refugee Agency

The UNHCR coordinatesUNrefugee responses,includingsupport for host countries providing assistance for Syrianrefugees.

International Organization for Migration

The IOM is an intergovernmental organizationwhich provides services and support to governments and migrants.

Unicef Canada

The United Nations Children's Fundis a child-focused humanitarian organizationoperating in192 countries, including Syria.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders, or Mdecins Sans Frontires,operatesmedical facilities inside Syria and supports more than100 clinics, health posts and field hospitals in the country.

Oxfam

Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organizations working around the world to find solutions topovertyand support human rights.

World Food Programme

The World Food Programme is the food assistance branch of the United Nations.

Migrant Offshore Aid

MOAconsists of humanitarians, security professionals, medical staffand maritime officers working to prevent further refugee crisis at sea.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with a focus on human rights.

Canadian Red Cross

Part of the international humanitarian organizationRed Cross/Red Crescent, the Canadian Red Cross is helping to support the efforts of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Syria.

World Vision Canada

The non-profit charitable organization providesfood, waterand shelter to more than 500,000 Syrian refugees in the Middle East.