Syrian refugees need more aid, says Vatican 'foreign minister'

February 04, 2016

The Vatican's top foreign-policy official has called for better funding for Syrian refugees.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States, told a London audience that the "ever-increasing human suffering" among Syrian refugees has become a global tragedy. Many families are homeless, and children malnourished, he reported; a steadily growing number of civilians are trapped in areas that do not receive relief supplies.

Archbishop Gallagher said that aid to the refugees should go beyond emergency assistance and include help with relocation and finding new employment; he also recommended international assistance for countries that have received the refugees. He said that the Vatican will continue to provide material support.

The archbishop was speaking at a conference organized by British political leaders, in cooperation with the UN, Germany, Norway, and Kuwait, on support for the refugees. 

 

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Further information:

• Vatican foreign minister urges increased support for Syrian refugees (Vatican Radio)