Mercy Corps demands a push for peace in Syria

Edinburgh based aid agency Mercy Corps has called on David Cameron to get his act together in responding to the refugee crisis in Europe.

The appeal – which came during a visit by Cameron to a flagship Mercy Corps programme in Jordan’s Zaatari village – is part of a broader call by Mercy Corps for world leaders to push for peace in the troubled region.

“Syrians are worse off today than they were a year ago, whether they are still in Syria or in neighbouring countries,” Simon O’Connell, executive director of Mercy Corps in Europe, said.

“With no prospect for peace, they are gambling with their lives, only to find bad, if not atrocious, conditions when they arrive in Europe.

“Mercy Corps urges the prime minister and all the European Union leaders to respond with urgency.”

Mercy Corps has been working to help civilians in Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries. It has now expanded its operation into Europe to help refugees there.

O’Connell added: “The events in Europe are a wake-up call that we all must pay greater attention to the crisis in Syria.

“Humanitarian organisations are struggling to keep up with needs that are growing exponentially.

“The international community must adequately fund the humanitarian response – and exercise its power and influence to bring peace to Syria.

“Ultimately, a political solution is the only solution to this catastrophe.”