Press release
The organizations Terre des hommes schweiz and terre des hommes schweiz are calling on the authorities in Bern to take in more Syrian refugees and to increase Swiss aid on the ground. While Switzerland’s commitment and the admission of 500 refugees are to be welcomed, in view of the suffering, not least that of many children and young people, it is essential that aid be stepped up further.
Since the outbreak of the civil war in Syria, over 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 press release calling on the government in Bern to accept additional contingents of Syrian refugees.
Children, young people and their families
Both organizations expressly welcome Switzerland’s commitment and the admission of 500 refugees. However, in view of the suffering and the worsening situation due to the winter, the Swiss authorities must do more. The additional contingents should primarily include particularly vulnerable refugees such as children, young people and their family members.
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 backdrop, the international community must recognize that aid to Syrian refugees, including support for Syria’s neighbouring countries, is simply a humanitarian duty.
