Conflict in the Central African Republic

In early September a group of armed Christians attacked an Islamic neighborhood, burning homes and killing several people. In retaliation, a coalition of armed Islamic groups called the Seleka attacked a Christian community. The conflict has continued to escalate. Many civilians have been displaced within the country or have been forced to take refuge in neighboring nations.

For more information read this article: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/new-satellite-images-reveal-shocking-aftermath-abuses-central-african-republic-2013-11-08

Syrian Refugee Crisis

In 2011 protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime were put down violently. Soon afterwards the country erupted into civil war. The violence created by fighting between the government and the Free Syrian Army has forced millions of people to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. The influx of refugees, however, has stretched the resources of these countries and prompted them to start turning people away. This has left many Syrians trapped between the borders of Syria and its neighboring countries. For those that are lucky enough to make it past the border, refugee camp conditions are far from ideal. Often times there is not enough clean water or medical supplies.

For more information about the Syrian Civil War visit http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/syria-dashboard/

For more information about the Syrian Refugee Crisis visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/syrians-fleeing-violence-are-turned-back-at-jordanian-border