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![More than a million Syrians have fled the fighting to neighbouring countries [Getty Images]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/syria21-300x199.jpg)
The number of Syrian refugees could reach 3.6 million by the end of the year, according to Australia’s foreign minister [Getty Images]
The funds would go towards helping international relief agencies respond to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Syria and neighboring Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, announced Bob Carr, the country’s foreign minister, on Friday.
“By the end of the year, the number of Syrian refugees could reach 3.6 million. Syria’s neighbours have been generous in welcoming Syrians displaced by the conflict, but they desperately need more help.” Carr said.
“If donors have promised financial support to those affected by the crisis in Syria, now is the time to fulfill those promises” added the foreign minister.
According to Carr, the funds would provide nine million AU dollars (almost $8.7 million) to UNICEF, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Australian Red Cross to help Jordan and Lebanon host Syrian refugees and, three million AU dollars (almost $2.9 million) for basic medical supplies, to train health care workers in first aid and emergency surgery, to distribute food parcels and supply clean drinking water within Syria.
Source: Agencies
