The United Nations is predicting that the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring Jordan will more than double to 1.2 million by the end of this year, The Associated Press reported.

UNICEF spokeswoman Marixie Mercado said Friday, April 5 that the UN agency for children urgently needs new funding to continue coping with the influx of refugees. Mercado said: "The needs are rising exponentially, and we are broke."

The number of Syrian refugees in Jordan is approaching half a million. Jordan has a population of 6 million.

The total number of Syrians who have fled their country and are seeking assistance hit 1 million a month ago. The UN says the pace of refugees fleeing has accelerated dramatically in recent months.