Iraq war refugees need help

LONDON, April 16 (UPI) -- Amnesty International warned that the Middle East is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis unless something is done about Iraq war refugees.

In a statement released Monday, the organization estimates that more than 3 million people have been forcibly displaced by the conflict in Iraq.

"Syria and Jordan, who together new host some 2 million Iraqis, have borne the brunt of the refugee exodus so far, but there must be a limit to which they can continue to do so," Malcolm Smart of Amnesty International said in a release.

Smart said it is important that the European Union, the United States and other countries step in and deliver direct assistance to ensure that the refugees are adequately cared for.

He called for concerned parties to redouble efforts to find a political solution, one that will bring an end to the violence and allow displaced Iraqis to return to their homes.