( CNN ) -- The U.N. high commissioner for refugees announced an inter-agency appeal Wednesday for $ 280 million to support Iraqi refugees . The Regional Response Plan for Iraqi Refugees includes the plans of 40 international organizations and non-governmental organizations supporting Iraqi refugees in 12 countries , including Syria , Jordan , Lebanon , Egypt , Turkey , Iran and the six Gulf states , according to a statement from Antonio Guterres ' office . `` I appeal to donor governments to recognize the critical needs of Iraqi refugees , particularly those who are becoming more vulnerable by the day , '' the high commissioner said in the statement . The U.N. refugee agency said more than 190,000 Iraqi refugees are registered in the region , with the majority living in Syria and Jordan . Many have struggled to find employment , and some Iraqi refugee children have dropped out of school to find casual work to help feed their families , the agency said . The high commissioner 's office also noted thousands of refugees suffer from critical health conditions . `` The burden on host communities and host governments in the region is enormous , '' Guterres said . `` It is essential that the international community support humanitarian efforts to help the most vulnerable refugees . ''
UN agency : More than 190,000 Iraqi refugees are in Syria , Jordan and nearby countries . Commissioner : The burden on host communities and host governments `` is enormous '' The agency says children have dropped out of school to work and support their families .