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UN launches largest humanitarian appeal for Syria
December 19, 2012, 5:30 pm

A Syrian refugee camp. [Getty Images]

A Syrian refugee camp. [Getty Images]

The United Nations appealed on Wednesday for $1.5 billion (£920.1 million) to salvage the “dramatically deteriorating” humanitarian situation.

The UN said in its statement that the twin appeals, $519.6 million for aid within Syria and $1 billion for refugees, comprise the “largest short-term humanitarian appeal ever.”

It is estimated that by mid-2013 the number of Syrian refugees will reach one million.

The UN regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Radhouane Nouicer launched the appeals in Geneva.

“The magnitude of this humanitarian crisis is indisputable,” he said.

According to the UN and Red Crescent an estimated 2.5 million Syrians have been internally displaced and 11,000 people cross the border in a single day.

Neighbouring Turkey, which has seen a dramatic influx of Syrian refugees had started turning turning people back in November.

Source: Agencies