The United States welcomes the European Union’s effort to develop a comprehensive, coordinated solution to the migration crisis that ensures that lives are protected, that human rights are respected, and that proper screening and registration procedures are in place. Continued unity in confronting this challenge is critical, as only a unified Europe has the strength to ensure peace and stability in the region and beyond.
As Europeans debate how best to respond to the crisis, politicians should avoid rhetoric which breeds apprehension and misunderstanding and strengthens the extremists seeking to exploit the crisis for their own ends. We urge leaders to instead engage with those in society seeking to respond with compassion and generosity to this humanitarian challenge, and look forward to learning about the government’s tangible plans to show solidarity of effort with these Slovak men and women working to ensure humanitarian needs are met.
We are proud the United States remains the largest donor of humanitarian assistance in the world, with over $4 billion provided to relief agencies and others addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and North Africa. We also recently announced that the United States will accept 85,000 refugees from around the world next year, including at least 10,000 from Syria. We commend all those who stand in solidarity with refugees and Europe.
