On Germany’s taking in of Syrian White Helmets

> It is good news that, in close cooperation with our international partners, we have succeeded in safely evacuating many White Helmets from southern Syria. 

> The White Helmets and their work deserve our admiration and respect. We have wholeheartedly supported their efforts. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, the White Helmets have rescued more than 100,000 people. For more than 250 White Helmets, their courage and humanity have cost them their lives, and many more have suffered lasting health damage.

> With the advance of the regime’s forces, many White Helmets now face danger to life and limb. It is a humanitarian imperative to provide asylum and protection to many of these courageous search and rescue workers, including in Germany. We are grateful to all of the partners who are contributing to this.

Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer has stated the following:

> I have decided that Germany will take in and grant protection to eight White Helmets – members of the Syria Civil Defence opposition movement – and their family members. The ongoing military offensive and ever greater territorial gains by the Syrian regime in southern Syria have created a clear and present danger for the White Helmets and their families. These people, who have risked their lives to aid and rescue the civilian population, and to reduce their suffering, are now themselves in need of help. Granting them protection is, I believe, a humanitarian duty and an expression of my policy to uphold humanity and order in migration policy.