Office of the Governor

JORDAN-SYRIAN BORDER–Kansas Lt. Governor Dr. Jeff Colyer, a native of Hays, accompanied presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson as he visited Syrian refugees at the Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps along the Jordan/Syrian border.

“I wanted to listen firsthand to Syrians who have suffered so much from this war. We need real solutions.” said Dr. Carson.

Colyer, who has worked in conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere for more than 25 years, first met with Dr. Carson several months ago.

“When we first met about Syria in September, Dr. Carson said he wanted to see the problem first hand, and we began planning this trip for Thanksgiving,” Colyer said. “The trip was kept quiet for obvious security reasons. More importantly this gave Dr. Carson the opportunity to meet Syrians first-hand and listen to their stories. The Paris attacks just reinforced how important the Syrian conflict is to the West.”

The Syrian conflict has created more than 4 million refugees in Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Europe. Millions more are displaced within Syria.

“We must end the war and prioritize helping the millions of Syrians who want to stay near their homes,” said Dr. Carson. The Obama/Clinton policy has failed innocent civilians. The international community must do more.”

“Many organizations are trying to help injured Syrians and refugees, but they are overwhelmed, said Colyer who has volunteered during the Syrian conflict over several years. “They need more money and long term assistance. Syrians want to go home and live in peace. Americans can help by supporting humanitarian organizations on the ground.”