UNHCR welcomes admission of Syrians by Morocco

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the decision by the Kingdom of Morocco to admit a group of Syrian refugees stranded in difficult circumstances at the country’s border with Algeria since 17 April.

The remaining 28 refugees from an original group of 41, including women and children, were collected on 20 June by the Moroccan police from the border and transported by bus to Bouarfa, from where they were transferred to the capital Rabat. UNHCR is working with the authorities of Morocco and other countries to find a durable solution to the plight of these vulnerable refugees.

The decision to admit the refugees was announced in a press release from the Royal cabinet on Tuesday. The press release said that, on the basis of humanitarian considerations and in the context of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, King Mohammed VI had instructed authorities to allow the refugees entry into Morocco. 

UNHCR welcomes this humanitarian gesture, which is in keeping with the traditions of hospitality demonstrated by countries across the region. 

Since 17 April, UNHCR has been working closely with the concerned authorities to find a solution for this group of Syrian refugees stranded at the border between the two countries. 

For more information on this topic, please contact:

• In Geneva, William SPINDLER, [email protected], +41 79 217 30 11 
• In Rabat, Malgorzata BRATKRAJC, [email protected], +212 661 95 85 63