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German Government to take in 5,000 refugees from Syria

German Government to take in 5,000 refugees from Syria

The German Federal Ministry of the Interior has announced this week that it will receive some 5,000 refugees from Syria. The first refugees should arrive in Germany by June. According to the official statement, the German Ministry of Interior intends to promote a coordinated European response together with UNHCR to protect refugees from Syria. The Minister will meet the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres in April, when he will launch a resettlement appeal to the EU.

The need for protection will be the main criterion for receiving the refugees. In this respect, families with children, unaccompanied children, Christians and persons in need of protection with relatives in Germany will be given priority.

Commissioner Malmströand German NGO ProAsyl have welcomed the initiative.

The Ministry also announced this week that it will extend its non-return policy for Syrians for six months.