Agency says 12,000 refugees stranded on Jordan-Syria border

Amnesty International said on Wednesday in London that 12,000 Syrian refugees are stranded and "struggling to survive" in freezing temperatures on the border with Jordan.

It called on the Jordanian government to take immediate action to help them.

Sherif Elsayed-Ali, Deputy Director of Global Issues at Amnesty International, stressed that the refugees, including children and pregnant woman that are in urgent need of medical attention, were left in "no man's land" after they were refused entry to Jordan.

"As the conflict in Syria continues, it is critical that Jordan, and Syria's other neighbouring countries, keep their borders open to those fleeing bloodshed or persecution.

"By denying sanctuary to civilians seeking safety on their soil, the Jordanian authorities are fuelling a humanitarian disaster on their doorstep," he said.

He said government had not given reason for denying refuge to the 12,000 stranded Syrians.