International responses to the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria continue to evolve rapidly. US plans for military intervention are on hold for now as various parties consider a Russian-led proposal-below to place Syria's chemical arsenal under international supervision. My team of Middle East, US and Russia analysts has been covering the Syrian crisis extensively, and we caution that while any non-military route is to be welcomed in principle - given the grave implications of … [Read more...]
Turkish programme to register Syrian refugees
12 April 2013 – The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed a new Turkish law on foreigners as an important advancement for international protection and pledged continued backing to the authorities as they implement it. The law incorporates key elements of international humanitarian and human rights law, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Spokesperson Melissa Fleming told a news briefing in Geneva, stressing that High Commissioner António Guterres welcomes it as a reflection of … [Read more...]
Syrian refugees to reach 4 million by the end of 2013
UNITED NATIONS, Istanbul/Amman/New York — Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, will be visiting refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan to underscore the urgent needs of women and youth affected by the crisis in Syria. There are currently over 1 million registered Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Egypt and other countries. More than 400,000 people have become refugees since 1 January 2013 alone. Out of the 4 million people … [Read more...]
SYRIA – The United Nations doubled its appeal for aid funds on Thursday
The United Nations doubled its appeal for aid funds The United Nations doubled its appeal for aid funds on Thursday to help thousands of refugees fleeing the violence in Syria, the majority of whom are women and children. The World Food Programme (WFP) described the refugees' position as increasingly dramatic even though host countries were continuing to accept new arrivals. "Their situation has become more vulnerable in host countries. What little cash they had is over and they need our … [Read more...]