Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has written today to the First and deputy First Ministers asking them to make known to the British Government and the United Nations Refugee Agency the willingness of the community here to take in Syrian refugees.

The South Belfast MLA wrote to the Ministers today as the United Nations Refugee Agency convenes a pledging conference in Geneva to ask rich nations to take in up to 180,000 of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees.

Thus far the British Government has refused to take in any Syrian refugees.

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “Syria represents the humanitarian crisis of our time and in my discussions with the NI Community for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and with church leaders, it’s my belief that our community is keen to step up to the mark and accept refugees from Syria.

“Many countries have responded positively to the call for help by the United Nations Refugee Agency — Germany has offered 30,000 places and the Irish Government has committed 300 places. Uruguay, a country with fewer resources than western nations has welcomed in 120 Syrian refugees. Sadly, Mr Cameron’s Government in London has not yet committed to take any refugees.

“I note that Scottish ministers have already urged the British Government to commit to taking refugees. Similarly, the Rev Bill Shaw and Frank Liddy, co-founders of the Belfast Compassionate City movement tells me they believe the people of Belfast would welcome Syrian refugees with open arms. In the spirit of Christmas, I have asked the First and deputy First Minister to convey to  the British Government this message of welcome to Syrian refugees from our community.”