The ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq has created a massive refugee problem, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The U.N. refugee agency says violence over the past two weeks in eastern Chad has driven as many as 20,000 people from their homes.

Uzbek law enforcement authorities said today that a group of 13 Andijon refugees have returned to Uzbekistan.

The U.N. refugee agency says more than 40 Palestinians who fled Baghdad to escape increasing violence, harassment and targeted killings remain stranded at the Iraqi-Syrian border. The UNHCR says no country wants to accept the Palestinians. It is calling for a solution to their plight. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees begins returning to south Sudan an estimated 11,000 refugees from Ethiopia, Wednesday, and another 8,000 from the Central African Republic, Saturday, to the homes they fled years ago. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva the agency expects the repatriation operation to go on for the next six months.

The U.N. refugee agency is launching an appeal for more than $1 billion to support millions of people around the world uprooted by persecution and conflict. The UNHCR is holding its annual pledging conference for donor countries in Geneva, from where Lisa Schlein reports for VOA.