Page 366 - A Helping Hand for Refugees

ematical calculation. The question is one of meeting the basic human-
itarian needs, such as housing, food, heating, clothing, clean water and
education, of millions of people.

The Syrian peace talks have again stumbled, and the rising ten-
sion and turmoil in the region make it uncertain when the war will ever
end. However, even if the fighting does end, the refugees simply have
no homes or towns to which to return; it is therefore very likely that
the plight of the refugees for the last five years will persist for at least

as long again.
For all these reasons, an aid package of at least 30-40bn euros needs
to be approved as quickly as possible in order to make a more realistic

contribution to these despairing people.
With its GDP approaching $20tn a year, the EU represents the

world's largest economy. It is totally unfitting for such a powerful com-
munity to hold out against such humanitarian aid and to negotiate over
human lives in this way. European leaders must heed their consciences,
rather than acting in the light of realpolitik or national interests.

364 A Helping Hand for Refugees