“We cannot stand by and watch, as the search goes on for a solution to the Syrian crisis”, while thousands of innocent children are enduring unacceptable conditions”. In an immediate response to UNICEF Italia’s recent appeal, Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi announced a decision to earmark €500,000 through the Italian Cooperation to fund an emergency plan that will allow at least 2,500 Syrian minors admission to local public schools and psychological assistance to deal with the trauma resulting from the violence in their country.
Minister Terzi met in Rome on 19 July with UNICEF Italia President Giacomo Guerrera, pledging to continue to send humanitarian support to Syria, at the same time underscoring the importance of education in the development of a culture of tolerance and respect.The foreign ministry’s decision confirms Italy’s intention to support the Syrian people and, in particular, the tens of thousands of children forced to flee their homes as a result of the intensifying violence. According to the data supplied by international organizations, over one million persons have become displaced over recent weeks, and over three-quarters of them are children. The Italian Cooperation has sent medical and other supplies to Syria and Lebanon, and set up a field hospital in Jordan.
