Humanitarian agencies are asking how the UK can call on Syria's neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees while it keeps its own closed.

Hospitality, cooperation and justice should characterise the response of communities and nations to displaced people, Pope Francis has declared.

An unprecedented number of people are beginning 2014 either internally displaced or as refugees, the United Nations humanitarian chief has warned.

The Conference of European Churches has asked European governments and people to act now and to provide protection for refugees fleeing Syria.