Media Release
The organisations Terre des hommes Kinderhilfe and terre des hommes schweiz are calling on the authorities in Bern to take in more Syrian refugees and to step up Swiss aid on the ground. Switzerland's commitment and the reception of 500 refugees is welcome, but in view of the suffering, not least of many children and young people, it is essential to further increase aid.
Since the outbreak of civil war in Syria, more than 2 million people have fled the country or are on the run. Lebanon alone has taken in over 750 000 Syrian refugees. The humanitarian situation of the refugees is increasingly precarious. Children and young people are particularly affected. For this reason, the organizations Terre des Hommes Kinderhilfe and terre des hommes schweiz have issued a joint media release calling on the government in Berne to accept additional contingents to receive Syrian refugees.
Children, young people and their families
The commitment of Switzerland and the reception of 500 refugees is expressly welcomed by both organizations. However, in view of the suffering and the worsening situation caused by the winter, the Swiss authorities must do more. Of the additional quotas, particularly vulnerable refugees such as children, young people and their families should be given priority.
Humanitarian duty
The United Nations estimates that the number of displaced persons and refugees from Syria could rise to five million by the end of 2014. Against this background, the international community must recognise that assistance to Syrian refugees, including support for Syria's neighbouring countries, is simply a humanitarian duty.
