World Refugee Day Finds Record Number of Children Displaced and in Danger

FAIRFIELD, Conn., June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, on World Refugee Day, Carolyn Miles, Save the Children's President and CEO, released the following statement:  

"A record 65 million people around the world have had to forcibly leave their homes, and the need to help refugees has never been greater. Too often, refugees are thought of in the abstract. Today, on World Refugee Day, it is critical to remember that refugees are people like you and me, and deserve the same rights, protections and respect.

"We are heartbroken and horrified by reports that as many as 11 people, including three children, who risked everything to escape war in Syria, were shot and killed this weekend as they tried to cross the border into Turkey to find safety. We need to do everything we can to help and protect people who are fleeing war and persecution. Rather than close our borders and turn our backs, we need to welcome them and offer support—just as we would want done for us.

"More than half of the world's refugees are under the age of 18. They have had their childhoods interrupted, and half of all refugee children are out of school. Save the Children calls on the international community to ensure that every refugee child has access to education and is learning. No refugee child should be without education for more than one month after being displaced.

"Education sets children up for success, provides hope and opportunities for the future, as well as a sense of stability and normalcy for those who are overcoming traumatic events. It also prepares children with the skills needed to rebuild and help develop their home countries if and when they return.

"We need negotiated political solutions to the multiple conflicts forcing families to flee their homes, from Syria to South Sudan. But for the child who is 10 years old, the dream is simply safety for her family and to attend school. World leaders, aid organizations and private corporations who care about our future can and must do more to make that dream a reality."

Save the Children experts are available for additional comment.

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We invest in childhood — every day, in times of crisis and for our future. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact: Erin Taylor, [email protected], 267.250.8829

SOURCE Save the Children

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