THE first Syrian refugees could arrive in Northern Ireland by December, the Deputy First Minister has revealed.
Martin McGuinness has said there is a "political responsibility" to extend a hand of friendship to Syrian refugees who will arrive under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.
An initial group of between 50 and 100 displaced people will be accommodated with others arriving in phases.
Mr McGuinness said: "Beginning with this modest number initially will assist learning and identification/resolution of difficulties.
"It's important the care we offer extends beyond simply opening the door for these people.
"Therefore we will also be implementing a Refugee Integration Strategy to ensure a smooth transition for the refugees into society," he said.
"This continued level of care and understanding will send a powerful message about our support for refugees."
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson recently returned from visiting the Zaatari camp refugee camp in Jordan home to 80,000 Syrian refugees, and described the conditions as a 'rat infested prison' .
"Whilst you mentally prepare yourself for what you might see in places like Zaatari you cannot do put a coat of armour around your head and heart", she said.
"I believe that our collective solidarity is the responsibility of all humanity and what we are witnessed at border area in Europe is only the tip of the iceberg", Ms Anderson said.
The UK Government is expected to meet the first-year costs for accommodation and orientation support for the resettled refugees which could reach £6 million over three years.
