Number of displaced in southern Syria jumps to 270,000: UNHCR
- 6 years ago
The UN human rights body says the escalating conflict in southwestern Syria has caused nearly 270-thousand people to be displaced.
Last week the UNHCR put the number at 160-thousand.
Over the past two weeks Syrian and Russian-backed forces have stepped up their offensive against rebel-held areas in the border region between Syria, Israel and Jordan.
Both Israel and Jordan have closed their borders to Syrian refugees, but are providing humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has awarded an additional 45.6 million euros in emergency aid to help Spain and Greece deal with an incoming influx of refugees.
About 20 million euros will be given to Greece through the UNHCR to improve conditions for new arrivals, particularly on the island of Lesvos.
The rest will be given to Spain, which is expected to get increased arrivals along its southern coast.
Last week the UNHCR put the number at 160-thousand.
Over the past two weeks Syrian and Russian-backed forces have stepped up their offensive against rebel-held areas in the border region between Syria, Israel and Jordan.
Both Israel and Jordan have closed their borders to Syrian refugees, but are providing humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has awarded an additional 45.6 million euros in emergency aid to help Spain and Greece deal with an incoming influx of refugees.
About 20 million euros will be given to Greece through the UNHCR to improve conditions for new arrivals, particularly on the island of Lesvos.
The rest will be given to Spain, which is expected to get increased arrivals along its southern coast.