UNHCR welcomes UK’s decision to offer refuge to Syrian refugees
UN Refugee Agency
28 JANUARY, 2014
Following the UK government’s announcement on offering refuge to Syrian refugees, UNHCR’s Representative to the UK, Roland Schilling, said:
“We welcome the announcement of the UK government to provide refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees, in cooperation with UNHCR.
This decision will help to provide much needed solutions for vulnerable Syrian refugees many of whom have been deeply traumatized and face immense hardship. It is also a concrete and important gesture of solidarity and burden sharing with the countries neighbouring Syria as they continue to bear the brunt of the refugee crisis.
Today’s decision is an encouraging and important step, reaffirming the UK’s commitment and contribution to international relief efforts in support of more than 2.3 million Syrian refugees and the countries hosting them. UNHCR also recognises the UK’s generous contribution towards massive humanitarian needs in the region.
While awaiting the details of the government’s plan, UNHCR looks forward to working closely with the Home Office on the implementation of the UK resettlement programme.”
Responding to the news, ODFS Director, Ribal Al-Assad said:
“I wholeheartedly welcome this decision and echo the sentiments of the UNHCR’s Representative to the UK, Roland Schilling, when I say this is an encouraging and important step.
The UK has a long and distinguished tradition of helping those in need regardless of culture, religion or ethnicity and this announcement will be warmly received by the Syrian people.
Syria is in the midst of a deep and bloody conflict that has already claimed thousands of innocent lives; it is the duty of the international community to do all it can to help the vulnerable citizens of Syria at this time – this resolution by the UK will save countless lives, offering respite to those who had little or no hope.
I commend the UK for making this decision and encourage other countries to follow suit.”
