The migrant crisis demands UN action in Syria

SIR – The migrant crisis is out of control and can only get worse. It is time for the UN to become involved.

In the Korean War of 1950-53, 16 member states provided troops under a UN joint command. With such a pattern, a safe zone in Syria could be established under a UN umbrella.

Meanwhile, pressure should be put on wealthy neighbouring states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar to follow Jordan’s example and do more to help.

Syrian refugees should be given safe haven in the Middle East, not Europe.

David Millar

Midhurst, West Sussex SIR – Refugees attempt their desperate journeys in the hope of safe harbour on the far shore. To encourage that hope by offering resettlement is appallingly irresponsible, and the leading cause of the rising death toll.

Jim Curry

Woodcote Green, Worcestershire SIR – Britain has come under criticism for failing to give sanctuary to more refugees. It should be emphasised that we make a crucial contribution in trying to tackle this problem at source – the only sensible way to deal with it.

Britain was the first country in the G7 to honour its commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on overseas aid, and this now amounts to more than £11.7 billion, the second-largest overseas aid budget in the world.

Peter Spira

London W14 SIR – Letters about the refugee crisis often suggest that “when conditions are right these refugees can return to their homeland”.

This will not happen because, if the war ended today, it would take 25 to 30 years for Syria to offer prospects to the young for a decent life, such is the damage to the country’s infrastructure and businesses. The migrants know this, which is why they bring young families with them. It’s permanent. No youngster brought up in the West will ever return to such a state of affairs.

David Wiltshire

Bedford