http://www.aina.org/news/2007060695717.htmGENEVA (UPI) -- The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says that 4.2 million people have been displaced due to the Iraq war.
Jennifer Pagonis, a spokeswoman for UNHCR, said Tuesday in Geneva that millions have fled their homes seeking refuge either inside the country or beyond its borders as the situation deteriorates.
The reason for the announcement Tuesday was the UN agency's plea for countries to do more to help.
"The situation in Iraq continues to worsen, with more than 2 million Iraqis now believed to be displaced inside Iraq and another 2.2 million sheltering in neighboring States," she said. "UNHCR is rapidly expanding its operations and presence in the region, but the magnitude of the crisis is staggering."
Calls for increased international support for governments in the region have so far brought few results, and access to social services for Iraqis remains limited, the agency said, noting that most of the burden is being carried by Jordan and Syria.