670,000 displaced in Syria since November, 1 mln others return home: UN

UNITED NATIONS, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Despite the threat of explosives in Syria, UN humanitarians said on Friday that while 670,000 people have been displaced since November, more than 1 million others have returned home.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said people continue to be on the move across the country despite explosive ordnance contamination, including unexploded ordnance, mines, improvised explosive devices and other remnants of war that continue to have a deadly impact across Syria.

"Since Dec. 8, more than 900 civilian casualties have been reported, including 367 deaths and 542 injuries," OCHA said. "Children represent over one-third of these casualties."

The office said it continues to work with partners to deliver aid across the country despite a severe funding environment, including support to displacement sites, creating livelihood opportunities, restoring water supplies and providing food and nutrition assistance.

However, OCHA reports the current Syria humanitarian appeal seeking 2 billion U.S. dollars to support 8 million people is only 10 percent funded, with only 204 million dollars received so far. ■