UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres announced that the UNHCR is in need of USD 4.2 million in relief for the growing numbers of Syrians fleeing their country as a result of the violence there. These refugees need food, protection and shelter from the harsh winter, along with health services and education for their children, he said. The UNHCRs activities in the neighbouring countries of Syria, include three categories, he said, life saving, ensuring preventative measures and enhancing capacity. In the past year, over USD two billion has given food to two million people, provided shelter for 40,000 people, health services for 1.25 million and education for 600,000 children, he said. On Kuwaits role in hosting the second pledges event in a row dedicated to the cause, he described this as "remarkable. He also commended the efforts of other GCC countries, who he said have contributed a lot to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. Calling on the attending nations to pledge as much as they can, he concluded "we count on your wisdom. We count on your compassion."