Syrian refugees could double or triple in 2013: UNHCR

The number of Syrian refugees is expected to witness a major rise by the end of this year, following shortage of fund for aid, the UN’s refugee agency has warned. The number of Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries could double or triple amid huge funding shortfall which pushes the aid operations in the country to the breaking point, said an official with the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). To date, there are 1.3 million Syrian refugees registered or with appointments with UNHCR having fled to neighbouring countries, with three-quarter being women and children.