A Syrian set himself on fire in a Greek refugee camp

A 29-year-old Syrian refugee who has been stranded in the government-run Vial camp on Greece's Chios island, set himself on fire in a heartbreaking video that is now circulating on social media.

The incident is said to have taken place on Thursday and the moment was shared on Twitter by the BBC's Athens producer Kostas Kallergis.

In the video*, the man is seen holding what appears to be a fuel container and a lighter. After a "tussle with a police officer who had tried to stop him," he is seen being engulfed by flames.  

The refugee reportedly arrived in the country last week, and is now in hospital after sustaining burns to 85 percent of his body. His condition is said to be critical. The police officer who tried to help him is also being treated for burns he suffered during the incident.

The video is extremely difficult to watch but reflects the reality and plight of thousands of people who have been left stranded and hopeless.

Other suicide attempts have been recorded in Greece, including one this week, and suicide rates are constantly on the rise among refugees in the country. 

*The video is available online but we choose not to share such graphic content in respect to family and friends of the person, and in line with ethical standards.  

According to the UN's refugee agency, the number of Syrian refugees who have left Syria for neighboring countries now tops 5 million.

Six years into the Syrian conflict, the statistics reflect a devastating reality that instigated calls for more serious action. The UN has recently called on world leaders to act with more urgency towards the crisis, especially in Europe.

The "UN high commissioner for refugees urged Europeans to do more to help share a burden that is still largely falling on countries bordering Syria, such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, with more in Iraq and Egypt," The Guardian said.