The UAE is attaching great importance to alleviating the burden and improving the living conditions of the Syrian refugees all over the world, said H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC.

Sheikh Hamdan made the statement to mark the beginning of the ERC's winter assistance programme for the Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Greece and Egypt, which targets the distribution of food baskets, winter clothing, heating devices, blankets and other materials to 288,000 beneficiaries.

He further said the programme is part of the initiatives of the UAE to help the Syrian refugees, in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Hamdan renewed UAE's commitment to stepping up its humanitarian efforts towards the Syrian refugees, who are still facing difficulties, particularly in the areas with cold and adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, an ERC delegation, headed by Board Member Ali Mohammed Muslih Al Ahbabi, left for Jordan to review preparations for delivering winter assistance to the Syrian refugees in the Mrajeeb Al Fhood refugee camp.