A Conference On Syrian Refugees Was Held By Global Policy Institute (GPI) In Washington DC

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A conference titled "Syrian Refugees: Past, Present, and Future" was organized by Washington DC based think tank Global Policy Institute (GPI) at Washington DC National Press Club on Thursday, February 18.

Among the participants were the Ambassador of Palestine to the United Nations Dr. Riad Mansour, Prof. Selcuk Sirin of New York University, Prof. Walid Phares president of GPI, BAU Global Chairman Enver Yucel, Executive Director of CAIR Nihad Awad, Director of American Legion Joseph Sharpe, Arab League Ambassador Salah Ahmed Sarhan, Fulbright Institute founder Harriet Fulbright and Dr. Halil Mutlu.

POLITICAL SOLUTION IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY

Keynote speaker of the conference, Ambassador of Palestine to the UN Dr. Riad Mansour pointed that: "Following the humanitarian efforts, then it is our responsibility to do our best to find a political solution to the war in Syria" He added "If we cannot achieve this, then we would not have fulfilled our responsibility." In his opening remarks GPI President Professor Walid Phares said "once the refugees leave Syrian territory, they should fall under international responsibility"

FOOD AND SHELTER ARE NOT ENOUGH

Prof. Selcuk Sirin of New York University shared his research findings regarding the state of Syrian refugees in Turkey. Sirin emphasized the importance of investments in education and healthcare so that refugee children would not become a lost generation. "We should go beyond food and shelter" he said.

HOW MUCH DOES A REFUGEE CHILD COST?

BAU Global Chairman Enver Yucel delivered a speech addressing the international implications of the refugee crisis, with an emphasis on the educational perspective. Reminding that Turkey has so far spent more than 9 billion dollars for Syrian refugees, Yucel criticized the 3 billion euros European Union promised to Turkey: "EU countries are discussing whether they should give this money. I am asking them: How much does a refugee child cost for you? Is it appropriate for you to close your borders to stop these people?"

Yucel also said they invested another 3 million dollars this year for Syrian refugees, and planning to teach Turkish language to 300,000 Syrian students in Turkey with 5,000 teachers this summer.

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SOURCE Global Policy Institute

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