Former UN chief hails Turkey's refugee policy

By Andac Hongur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed Turkey’s policy on refugees, according to International Pediatric Association (IPA) on Wednesday.

According to a statement by IPA, Ban had talks with IPA Foreign Relations Director Kerem Hasanoglu in the South Korean capital Seoul over the refugees’ condition across the world.

“Turkey does a great job,” Ki-moon said, referring to 3.5 million Syrian refugees being hosted by the country.

Meanwhile, Hasanoglu congratulated Ban for his efforts and success during his tenure.

According to UN figures, Turkey currently hosts the highest number of refugees in the world -- 3.9 million people, including 3.5 million Syrians.

Syria has been locked in a devastating conflict since early 2011 when the regime cracked down on demonstrators with unexpected ferocity.

While 230,000 refugees live in camps located in the southeast, the majority live in cities and towns across the country.