Photo: IRC
NORTHERN SYRIA
The IRC's support of children in Syria goes beyond ensuring they have medical care, clean water and an education. Something that might seem trifling -- like a teddy bear -- is also important, for other reasons. "Having a toy to cuddle at night can strengthen their sense of safety," says the IRC's Sandra Maignant.
Some of them are getting a bit worn. The ears have been chewed, one or both eyes may be gone, and the loss of stuffing makes some look like they've been on a crash diet. They're only six weeks old, but being the object of such unrestrained affection has taken a visible toll.