Special Reports

Mass displacements in Syria, ICRC says

Damaged buildings are seen in Taftanaz village, east of Idlib, Syria on April 5, 2012. The International Committee of the Red Cross said there were "tens of thousands" of Syrians displaced by the violence.UPI

License photo

Published: May 8, 2012 at 1:29 PM

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 8 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of Syrians are displaced by a crisis entering its second year with few signs of relief, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.
The ICRC issued an appeal for $27 million to support its efforts in 2012 in Syria. Jakob Kellenberger, president of the ICRC, said there were "tens of thousands" of Syrians displaced by the violence.
The aid agency said while calm has returned to some parts of the country, there have been few signs of stability in other areas.
"Many people are still struggling just to make it through the day," he said in a statement. "Others are trying to rebuild their lives from scratch."
The Local Coordination Committees in Syria, an umbrella organization inside the country, said at least 20 people died in the violence Tuesday.
Damascus is accused of using a heavy hand against anti-government groups, though the Syrian government maintains it is dealing with domestic terrorists supported by foreign elements.
The country held parliamentary elections this week against a backdrop of violence. A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said elections aren't genuine so long as violence continues in the country.
"Only a comprehensive and inclusive political dialogue can lead to a genuine democratic future in Syria," the statement read.

Topics: Jakob Kellenberger

Most Popular Collections

Chilean police stunt show	WH Correspondents' Dinner	Street animals of China
Scarlett Johansson gets a star	St. Domenico's snake procession	Politicians with celebrities

Additional Special Reports Stories
Top News Woman, baby fall off ferry in N. Ireland BELFAST, Northern Ireland, May 10 (UPI) -- A woman was pulled from the water after falling from a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland, but a young baby was missing and feared dead, police said. Crews move up mountain to plane crash site Trial ordered for police in beating death Ancient Mayan apocalypse skull dropped Arpaio offers to reform Sheriff's Office	Entertainment News Deliberations continue in Hudson family slay trial CHICAGO, May 10 (UPI) -- A jury began its second day of deliberations in the Chicago trial of the man accused of killing three members of singer-actress Jennifer Hudson's family. People in the news 'Somebody' still No. 1 on record chart Russell Brand to host MTV Movie Awards Harry Potter theme-park attraction to open in Japan
Business News Keystone XL company plans oil terminal CALGARY, Alberta, May 10 (UPI) -- The company behind the planned Keystone XL oil pipeline said it received enough support from the industry to move ahead with an oil terminal in Alberta, Canada. Iran aims to export electricity to India Shell moves into Mozambique Australia sets out F-18 maintenance tender U.S. leaders snipe over oil, gas drilling	Odd News Fake Mountie foiled stealing cash machine CHILLIWACK, British Columbia, May 10 (UPI) -- A British Columbia man who wore a fake Mountie uniform faces several charges after allegedly trying to remove an ATM cash machine from a gas station. Watercooler Stories Jockstrip: The world as we know it. Your Daily Horoscope The almanac