Algerian Red Crescent chief to Echourouk: “ Syrian refugees prefer to beg rather then move to the centers”

In interview made to Echourouk , the chairman of the Algerian red crescent Lahcen Bouchakour has disclosed the latest measures undertaken by the Algerian authorities in favour of the Syrian refugees, noting that many of them have refused to join the summer camp of Sidi Fredj, western Algiers, preferring to beg in the streets.

• “ If the Syrians refugees refuse to move to the centers and prefer hotels instead, they should stop begging in the streets summoning the citizens not to assist them”, he aid.

• M Bouchakour has indicated that the Red Crescent ha instructed all its branches across the provinces in collaboration with the interior ministry and the solidarity one to open centers for the refugees and assist them.

• In Algiers the summer camp of Sidi Fredj, west of Algiers, has been fully equipped to host the families in the best conditions possible. The center contains all the required commodities to assure a decent stay in this holly month of Ramadan.

• The official was upset by the attitude of the refugees that refused to move to the center preferring either to stay in Port Said square, downtown Algiers, or in hotels, expressing his astonishment to this inexplicable behaviour.

• M Bouchakour said that the members of the Red Crescent are bewildered as they don’t know the reasons behind this refusal, noting that the refugees prefer to beg in the streets rather than to move to centers.

• In Algeria we refuse to see our Syrian brothers roaming in the streets looking for food or sleep outdoor, he added. Some Syrian have told me that they earn money and can afford to stay in hotels, so why do they beg in the streets then, M Bouchakour said.

• He seized this opportunity to call on the Algerian citizens not to give them money; those who want to give help have to move to the Red Crescent. It’s immoral to give money to the Syrians and force them to beg i the streets.