UNHCR Jordan is continuing in its efforts to lower the barriers to registration in response to concerns that vulnerable Syrians were unable to cover the cost of travelling to Amman. This weekend, UNHCR organised transportation for a number of Syrians residing in Al Mafraq, in the north of Jordan, to BO Amman. In total, 39 cases, representing 110 individuals were registered with the Agency.

On March 2, more Syrians crossed with some 50 families arriving in Aarsal, and 170 families in Fakha village. According to the mayor of Aarsal, there are an additional 75 families in Mashariia Al Qaa, although some NGOs place the number at twice that amount. The most reliable estimates place the total number in the Bekaa to be around 4000 persons/ UNHCR is working to verify the current numbers.

UNHCR Jordan held an internal strategy meeting on Monday, March 19, as operation enters a new phase in response to Syrian unrest. The meeting presented an opportunity for broad-based discussion on the transition between an Iraqi-led operation to management of two distinct operations. An overarching theme was leveraging BO Amman\'s expertise in delivering assistance and protection in an urban context to Syrian persons of concern.

UNHCR are now distributing school kits to all registered Syrian children in an effort to encourage school attendance at local Jordanian public schools. Kits include bag, along with reading and writing materials.

During the reporting period, UNHCR implementing partner, Caritas, carried out a distribution in Mafraq in the north of Jordan. The distribution package included blankets, mattresses, school kits, hygiene kits and sanitation kits along with other much needed household items. The number of beneficiaries for this distribution was 45 families, and was part of a three day process reaching out to families, single males, and single females with targeted assistance.

UNHCR launched the Syria Regional Response Plan on 22 March. Official data from surrounding countries and UNHCR’s own registration figures indicate that as of March 2012, around 40,000 people have fled from Syria to the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. While international and national agencies, in close coordination with the host governments, continue to respond to the immediate needs caused by this displacement, a common strategy and coordination mechanism is key for the effective planning of an adequate humanitarian response. This Syria Regional Response Plan includes an appeal for $84 million to fund protection and assistance activities for displaced Syrians.

The UN refugee agency announced on March 13 the appointment of a veteran of emergency operations to coordinate its approach to the refugee crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries. As Regional Refugee Coordinator, Panos Moumtzis will be based in Geneva and work closely with the refugee agency\'s Middle East and North Africa Bureau and UNHCR representatives in concerned countries. The Arabic speaker\'s brief will also be to ensure smooth cooperation with inter-agency coordination mechanisms. He will travel frequently to the region.

The number of those at the Ramtha Transit Facility is nearing 800 individuals. UNHCR is working with the Government of Jordan to find a more permanent solution.

The High Relief Commission received approval on additional funding to continue assistance to displaced Syrians in north Lebanon averting the feared March 23 shutdown.

The Ramtha Transit Facility is increasingly under pressure as the number of individuals and families crossing the border illegally continues to rise. Figures for Ramtha have now exceeded 1,000 individuals with temporary shelters erected on-site. UNHCR is working closely with the Government of Jordan to identify the best manner in which to ensure protection and delivery of assistance in a timely and effective manner.