Syrian refugees waiting to be transferred to a camp at the border in Yayladagi Hatay, Turkey, Aug. 31.
Over the past 12 months, the number of refugees fleeing the two-year-old civil war in Syria has increased ten-fold, with more than 2 million now seeking sanctuary abroad, according to the U.N. refugee agency.
By year’s end, another million could be added with no sign of the flood abating, say officials. Combined with the 4.25 million people displaced within the country’s borders, more people have now been forced from their homes in Syria than in any other country.
Over 97% of Syrians who have crossed the border are taking shelter in immediately neighboring countries, with the majority in ramshackle camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
[BBC]