PM’s announcement on accepting Syrian refugees: World Vision commends UK’s commitment and urges European leaders to be resolute and decisive.

World Vision UK has welcomed the Prime minister’s announcement that Britain will accept more refugees from Syria and commended the UK government’s commitment to assist vulnerable children.

Tim Pilkington, chief executive of World Vision UK said: “The Prime Minister’s announcement this afternoon that the UK will accept more refugees is welcome and positive news.

“The number of people forced to flee violence and conflict today is the highest since World War II. Many are dying on these dangerous journeys to safety in Europe and those that do make it are being subjected to immense suffering. Nothing encapsulates the dangers they go through and the traumatic costs of human life, than the images of the lifeless body of Alan Kardi – the 3-year-old Syrian boy who drowned in Turkey.

“It is estimated that over half of the migrants are vulnerable children who have little care and support. At World Vision, we are concerned by the number of unaccompanied children who have either become separated from their families or journeyed by themselves. Urgent action is required in aiding them,” he added.

Meanwhile, World Vision is urging the European Union’s interior and justice ministers to make a commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of refugee children at its emergency meeting in Brussels on September 14.

“The number of children making these journeys by themselves is hugely concerning to World Vision. They’ve either been separated from their families or their caregivers have been unable to afford to go with them,” said Conny Lenneberg, World Vision’s Regional Director for the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

“There’s an estimated 8,000 unaccompanied refugee children in Serbia alone right now. We know from experience they are vulnerable to trafficking, forced labour, prostitution and other forms of violence. Further, with Serbia’s harsh winter fast approaching, they lack adequate food, clothing and shelter”.

More than 137,000 people crossed the Mediterranean Sea into Europe during the first six months of this year; some 2,000 died attempting the journey. The ‘Balkan Byway’ which is perceived to be less perilous, is fast becoming the alternative route. Thousands have flooded into Serbia hoping to reach Hungary; a major entry point into the EU.

“The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, signed and ratified by all EU member states, specifically state that everyone has the right to seek asylum and that refugee children in particular, must be awarded special protection,” said Deirdre de Burca, World Vision Brussels Director of Advocacy. “It is imperative the European Union upholds this promise to protect children fleeing the war in Syria. There must be a unified and humane EU policy on the reception of refugees and asylum seekers,” she explained.

ENDS

For more information, pictures, case studies and interviews, please contact:
Henry Makiwa | Media Manager Strategy | World Vision UK | www.worldvision.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0)1908 244 446| Mobile +44 (0)7469 154 268 | E-mail: henry.makiwa@worldvision.org.uk | Skype: Soshangana | Twitter: @makiwahenry