UN urges Jordan to let in 12,000 refugees
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The UN refugee agency is urging Jordan's government to allow in around 12,000 people who are stranded just inside Syria after fleeing intensified violence, extremism and forced conscription.
UNHCR says the vulnerable, sick and injured people have recently amassed near Rukban and Hadalat in Syria. Some refugees have gathered on an earthen wall just inside Jordan.
The Geneva-based agency said Tuesday that it "recognizes the legitimate security concerns" in Jordan, while noting that the Azraq refugee camp in Jordan to the east has available capacity. The agency praised Jordan's "tremendous contribution" by hosting about 630,000 refugees from Syria.
UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said that since early November, thousands have sought to flee intensified airstrikes in northern Syria as well as forced conscription, floggings, forced marriages and beheadings in extremist-held areas.
