Children fleeing Syrian civil war are forced to sleep in the forests

Lying cold and frightened in an unfamiliar bed, or sprawled on a filthy mattress while reliving the memories of family members' deaths - these heartbreaking photos show where children fleeing Syria are now forced to sleep. Since 2011, the war between Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's government and rebel groups including ISIS and the Free Syrian Army has claimed the lives of 200,000 people and created an estimated 4million refugees.

Among them are thousands of children. Many are so young they know nothing but violence, while others hold only fleeting memories of childhoods spent in once-peaceful cities such as Aleppo and Homs. These heartbreaking photographs document where those children displaced by the battle for Syria now sleep after fleeing the country in search of a better life.

 Many have attempted the risky journey to Europe with their families, while others live rough in the streets after loved ones were slaughtered in the conflict. They offer a tragic glimpse into the lives of those living in detainment and refugee camps. Many have medical conditions such as polio and pneumonia. Others cry at thought of the violence back home.