Ammon News - NEW YORK (Petra) – United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said on Friday that Syria and its neighbouring countries are going through an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

United Nations Radio quoted Amos as saying via closed circuit TV from Beirut last night as she ended her visit to Damascus, where she met Syrian government officials, that the conflict is leaving appalling consequences for civilians and residential areas, which were indiscriminately shelled and that entire cities were under siege.

Amos said that more than one third of Syria's population is in a dire need for urgent humanitarian assistance, but the crisis is affecting all the people as the national currency's value declines and infrastructure, including health facilities, is being destroyed.

"Here in Lebanon and in other countries around Syria, the refugee crisis is having a devastating impact on the economy and the social structure in host countries," she added.

Amos raised particular concern over heightened levels of sectarian and sexual violence and other human rights violations in Syria. She said humanitarian organisations are committed to carry out their work in Syria despite the tough and dangerous circumstances.