A new report finds asylum claims in 44 industrialized countries rose sharply last year due in large part to the ongoing Syrian conflict.  The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reports nearly one-half million claims were registered in 2012, the highest annual total since 2003. 

The U.N. refugee agency reports new and old conflicts last year contributed to an 8 percent increase in asylum applications in 44 industrialized countries.  Afghanistan tops the list of asylum seekers … [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Economy and Finance