Saudi Arabia has received approximately 2.5 million Syrian refugees since the start of the conflict and spent $700 million in aid, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this weekend.
“The Kingdom of #SaudiArabia does not intend to speak about its efforts to support #Syrian brothers and sisters, during their distress, as it has, since the beginning of the problem, dealt with the situation from a religious and humane perspective, and did not wish to boast about its efforts or attempt to gain media coverage,” the ministry wrote on Facebook.
Adding that following misleading media reports, the Kingdom has decided it is important to reveal details of the efforts it has taken to help the refugees.
The statement explained that the refugees have “been given the freedom to move about the country and those who wish to remain in Saudi Arabia (some hundreds of thousands) have been given legal residency status like the remaining residents.” This leaves them able to receive free medical care, get jobs, and attend schools and universities. “The public school system has accepted more than 100,000 Syrian students.”
In addition to this, the Kingdom has provided support and care for refugees living in other countries including Jordan and Lebanon, the statement explained. “Efforts included providing them with humanitarian assistance, in coordination with the host governments and with international human aid organisations. Aid was provided, in cash and kind.”
Humanitarian aid provided to Syrians by the Kingdom consisted of food, medical, academic, residential supplies and included the establishment of Saudi clinics in refugee camps, especially at Zaatari Camp in Jordan, the ministry explained.
The statement comes after the Gulf states received international condemnation last week for their lack of action towards the plight of Syrian refugees and their unwillingness to take in those most in need who are instead endangering their lives in search of a better life in Europe