Iraqi refugees turn to sex trade in Syria

Many Iraqi refugees live in run-down areas of Damascus

"Survival sex" is a term now being commonly used by aid workers in Syria dealing with refugees from Iraq.

It refers to how some refugee families are now resorting to the sex trade in order to make ends meet.

More than 1.5 million Iraqis live in Syria, many having fled the violence at home in recent years.

While there are no reliable statistics about how many are involved in prostitution, United Nations staff in Damascus say it has become an increasing cause of concern.

The BBC's Mike Lanchin and Mona Mahmoud have been investigating in the Syrian capital. Some of the voices of those interviewed have been altered to protect their identities.

Listen Listen to their report (6 mins 1 sec)

First broadcast 18th April