Number of Syrian refugees surpass1 million

The United Nations Refugee Agency is warning that resources for helping Syrian refugees are quickly diminishing.

The New York Times reports the number of Syrian refugees passed the one million mark on Wednesday.

Almost three years after the Syrian conflict began, over 7,000 Syrians flee the country daily.

More than half are children, many under the age of eleven.

Many have fled to neighbouring countries including Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt, and North Africa.

Displaced Syrians are putting a strain on these countries.

Lebanon’s population has grown by 10 per cent and Turkey put $600 million into building refugee camps with more on the way.

The UN says it has only received 20 per cent of the $1.5 billion it sought to aid Syrians in and out of the country.

Relief agencies worry that money received from donors cannot keep pace with growing refugee needs.

Flickr Photo by: lynnefeatherstone

STORY WRITTEN BY: AISHA SAMU