DAMASCUS, Syria, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Syrian officials signed a joint agreement with UNICEF to increase humanitarian and educational aid to Iraqi refugees.
The Syrian Red Crescent Organization signed agreements with UNICEF aimed at establishing psychological support centers and general healthcare facilities in Damascus, Syria's official news agency SANA reported.
Red Crescent director Abdulrahman al-Attar also highlighted the efforts of volunteers for the services they provide to Iraqi refugees.
Syrian Minister of Education Ali Sa'ad also discussed the state of education provided for Iraqi refugees getting schooling in Syria.
Sa'ad highlighted the requirements needed to host Iraqi refugees in Syrian public schools as well as the need for UNICEF to provide support there.
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres praised the efforts of Syria and other regional leaders for providing basic humanitarian needs to Iraqi refugees on a recent trip to the region.
Guterres met last week with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following a similar visit with Jordanian officials in early February.
Guterres made pledges to Syrian officials that the UNHCR would continue to work with the Syrian government to help provide basic needs for Iraqi refugees in Syria, SANA said.
