UN: 9.3 million Syrians need humanitarian aid

Figure includes 6.5 million people who are now internally displaced as a result of the conflict

By AP 5 November 2013, 1:53 am Edit

Syrian refugees line up to fill plastic containers with water at a displaced persons camp near the Turkish border, November 2012 (photo credit: AP/Khalil Hamra/File)

UNITED NATIONS — UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos told the UN Security Council that the number of Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance has risen dramatically to 9.3 million people, up from 6.8 million in June.

Spokeswoman Amanda Pitt said Amos also told the council in a closed briefing Monday that those in need include 6.5 million people who have fled their homes but remain in the country, up from 4.25 million displaced people in June.

Syria’s cooperation on the elimination of its chemical weapons is in stark contrast to the obstacles it has erected for humanitarian access and delivery of aid.

Pitt said Amos has been pressing Security Council members to use their influence to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.