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Number of Syrian refugees likely to be higher than 1 million, says British Red Cross

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Jordan
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British Red Cross
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The real numbers of refugees who have fled Syria are likely to be higher than the 1 million estimate, says the British Red Cross.

Pete Garratt, British Red Cross disaster manager said:
“The escalation of this refugee crisis is shocking, but we know that the true figure is likely to be higher. Some Syrians will not have registered as refugees, either from fear or pride. We know that the Jordanian Red Crescent have come across families who are worried about giving their names to anyone official. People are living in urban areas, blending in with the local population. While we often see images of camps, the reality in Jordan is that two thirds of refugees are living in rented accommodation or makeshift tents. There is a hidden refugee crisis within the towns and cities of all Syria’s border countries”.

Since January 2013, the number of registered refugees on Syria’s borders has doubled. Over two thousand people are crossing into Jordan every day. The numbers of people in need of aid within Syria have also more than quadrupled within one year.

Pete Garratt continued:
“Last March, the UN estimated 1 million people were in need of aid. Now, one year later, than figure is more than 4 million. The humanitarian crisis has grown dramatically, and we need to step up the response now.”

The British Red Cross is appealing for funds for Syria and the region, and has provided aid including ambulances, food, blankets and emergency shelter.

To donate to the Syria Crisis Appeal go to www.redcross.org.uk/syriacrisis or call 0845 054 7206

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Notes to editors
• For press enquires, images or to arrange interviews, please contact Penny Sims 020 7877 7044
• To support the British Red Cross Syria Crisis Appeal visit www.redcross.org.uk/syriacrisis or call 0845 054 7200. The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/britishredcross