SIR – The humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in Syria is becoming increasingly urgent by the day.

Last month I travelled to Jordan, where I witnessed first hand the desperate plight of the Syrian children who have had to flee the escalating violence.

Imagine having to leave your house under the cover of darkness, with nothing more than the clothes you are wearing, in order to try to take your children to a place of safety – that nightmare has become a reality for many of the families that are seeking shelter in Jordan and neighbouring countries.

On reaching the relative safety of the camps, so many have already experienced things no child should ever have to endure.

As this crisis approaches its third year, 1.3 million people have now had to flee the violence with thousands more making the heartbreaking journey each night.

UNICEF UK has launched the Syria Children’s Appeal to help the children who are most at risk as this humanitarian crisis continues. UNICEF receives no money from the UN budget and we rely entirely on voluntary donations. £5 could provide water for a week for a family in Syria, so please text the word DONATE to 70099 to give £5 now or visit unicef.org.uk/syria.

David Bull, executive director, UNICEF UK