Jordan calls for further int’l support to protect young Syrian refugees

AMMAN — Jordan on Friday asked the international community to help it continue its efforts to protect children’s rights.

During a Security Council session, Minister Plenipotentiary Mahmoud Hmoud said there is a gap in the Middle East regarding the protection of child rights.

Hmoud said the Syrian crisis is affecting neighbouring countries, especially Jordan, which is hosting a great number of Syrian refugees, most of whom are children.

He noted that Jordan allows Syrian children to enrol in public schools, forcing 80 per cent of schools to work two shifts.

Some 86,000 Syrian students are enrolled in public schools, while 21,000 students have been taking classes at camp schools since the beginning of the Syrian crisis in March 2011.