EU to send funds to assist Syrian refugees in Turkey

The European Union (EU) will deliver new aid to the tune of 17.5 million euros (19.7 million U.S. dollars) in support of Syrian refugees in Turkey, the European Commission said in a press release Thursday.

It said the funding would help 240,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey, most of them children, receive schooling opportunities and food security.

The EU signed two contracts with UNICEF and the World Food Programme respectively to deliver the assistance.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said: "A pen and a book can give hope to Syrian children. They are the best weapon against hatred and radicalization. They can give a future to a whole country."

Since the start of the conflict in Syria, more than 11.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including almost four million who fled to neighboring countries, half of them to Turkey, according to the EU.
  Xinhua - china.org.cn
11/9/15