British government must deliver on Syrian refugee pledge within the next year, Oxfam says 

Oxfam launches refugee response programme in Serbia 

2012 - Mulher síria, em campo de refugiados na Turquia

2012 - Mulher síria, em campo de refugiados na Turquia

Image by CGFome MRE



In September, the Prime Minister responded to the humanitarian tragedy by promising to resettle up to 20,000 vulnerable Syrians by 2020. But new analysis by Oxfam shows that Britain’s fair share would amount to 21,295 places by the end of 2016. Assuming the numbers are spread evenly across the years, the UK is on track to offer refuge to just 5,571 people over this timescale – equivalent to just a quarter (26%) of its fair share. 

Oxfam has called for 10% of refugees registered in countries neighbouring Syria to be resettled in rich countries by the end of 2016. It is vital that every country plays its part, but some are doing much more than others. In its Solidarity With Syrians report, Oxfam has calculated the 'fair share' of refugee places and financial aid required from each country, relative to the size of its economy. 

The report comes as Oxfam launches a £740,000 (€1m) programme in Serbia to help some of the thousands of people fleeing to Europe. The refugees, many of whom are Syrians, will soon face a harsh winter and do not have the resources to cope. Oxfam continues to work in the top nine countries of origin for refugees and has major programmes in countries bordering Syria like Lebanon and Jordan. 

People in Syria face a desperate situation of indiscriminate violence and severe shortages. More than four million Syrians have fled abroad where many face dwindling food rations and the prospect of a tough winter in refugee camps. 

While the number of refugee places on offer falls far short of the mark, the analysis also reveals that the UK has pledged more than double its fair share of financial assistance. British aid commitments up to 29 September 2015 stand at £448m ($679m) – representing 229% of its fair share of £196m ($296.8m). 

Penny Lawrence, Oxfam GB Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Britain is taking just one in four of its fair share of Syrian refugees. For a rich and powerful country to fall so far short is a dereliction of duty. 

“The British government should be congratulated for stepping up to the plate with financial aid where so many countries have not. If only it showed the same compassion in resettling vulnerable refugees.” 

Britain did not fare as badly as some other countries in the report, with Russia failing to resettle any Syrians at all and paying just 1% of its fair share of aid. France has agreed to resettle just 5% of its quota and has pledged 22% of its share of aid. By comparison, Jordan is estimated to have spent $870m (£574m) a year in relation to the Syria refugee crisis, representing 5,622% of its share. 

Germany and Norway were the laudable exceptions in the report as they give 75% and 186% of their fair share of aid, and have agreed to resettle 112% and 293% of their quota of refugees respectively. 

Lawrence continued: “More than four million Syrians have fled unimaginable violence for the hope of a better future. Rich countries like the UK have an obligation to offer refuge to the most vulnerable, but many are choosing to turn a blind eye. 

“As the violence in Syria intensifies, and with no peace process in sight, many Syrians are making dangerous choices to seek a better future.” 


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