Reuters/NAN |
UN representatives in Syria called on Tuesday for an immediate cessation of hostilities lasting at least month throughout Syria to allow aid deliveries and evacuations of the sick and wounded.
A statement from the UN resident humanitarian coordinator and representatives in Syria described the situation in the country as “extreme”.
“The UN humanitarian team in Syria warns of the dire consequences of the compounded humanitarian crisis in several parts of the country,” the UN said.
NAN reports that the UN estimates that four million Syrians have fled the country since the start of the civil war there four years ago, making it the worst refugee crisis in a quarter century.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says the total number of refugees that have left Syria could be more than 4.25 million by the end of the year.
The UNHCR said an additional 7.6 million people are internally displaced.
The world body said about 45 per cent of the refugees are living in Turkey and most of the rest are scattered in four other countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.
The UNHCR appealed for 5.5 billion dollars to support the Syrian refugees in 2015.