Urgent appeal for Syrian refugees

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) launched an appeal to member states and to their various non-governmental organisations active in the area of charity and relief, as well as to all civil society institutions, to urgently extend their assistance to the Syrian refugees in Jordan in view of the prevailing severe climatic conditions, particularly at the Al-Zaatari camp in the province of Al-Mafraq. Ihsanoglu expressed his deep sympathy and full support for the Syrian refugees in the face of their present ordeal made worse by severe winter conditions and their repercussions on those sheltered in camps. The OIC chief also expressed his appreciation for the efforts put in by Jordan to offer secure and appropriate shelter to the refugees in accordance with the resources available to the country. The OIC secretary-general asserted that the Islamic states and their humanitarian institutions, along with all international organisations, bear an immediate responsibility to stand by the Syrian refugees affected by the floods and storms that have swept over their tents. In other developments, a delegation from the OIC's humanitarian department will soon be traveling to Jordan for the purpose of consultation with the Jordanian government on the appropriate modalities to ensure the prompt channeling of humanitarian aid to the Syrian refugees.