UK to provide refuge to vulnerable Syrian refugees
Nick Clegg confirms that the UK will be providing refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.
Announcing the plans, the Deputy Prime Minister said:
I am pleased to be able to announce today that the UK will be providing refuge to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.
The coalition government wants to play our part in helping to alleviate the immense suffering in Syria.
The £600 million we have provided makes us the second largest bilateral donor of humanitarian aid in the world.
But as the conflict continues to force millions of Syrians from their homes, we need to make sure we are doing everything we can.
We are one of the most open hearted countries in the world and I believe we have a moral responsibility to help.
The UN High Commission for Refugees – which backs our new resettlement programme – has said the highest priority should go to women and girls who have experienced or are at risk of sexual violence; the elderly; survivors of torture and individuals with disabilities, so that’s who we’ll target.
Sadly we cannot provide safety for everyone who needs it, but we can reach out to some of those who need it most.
On top of that, we’ll continue to support the peace talks currently taking place in Geneva, because only a political resolution between the Assad regime and Syrian opposition will provide a permanent end to the suffering.
Britain has a long and proud tradition of providing refuge at times of crisis. This coalition government will ensure it lives on.
The UK has already committed £600 million in humanitarian aid to help alleviate the immense suffering in Syria. See updates on UK aid in Syria.
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Last updated 29 January 2014 + show all updates
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First published.