A trip to one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Jordan moved Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who praised the government for its decision to allow around 600,000 Syrian refugees to resettle there. The minister was also moved by the sight of children who were gravely affected by the Syrian war.

Dutton visited the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan on Monday during his first visit to the Middle East after becoming the minister. The purpose of the visit was to inspect the selection procedure of the refugees under the federal government’s policy to resettle the most vulnerable of the Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

He said that he has instructed his department to prioritise women and children in the Australian government’s recent decision to open its arms to 12,000 extra refugees. Under the new program, those who have lost their family members would be given more priority.

A cash-strapped UN has failed to ensure their right to work and the food aid for the refugees, compelling many of them to leave Jordan for Europe in the hope of finding a better life there.

The condition of the children at the camp also had a great impact on the minister. Many of these children are deprived, not only of food but of education as well.

"The scenes of children who [are] innocent victims in a war really pull at your heartstrings," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Dutton as saying. "The fact that we see those kids' faces and the despair that they feel. Some are being educated and some aren't -- I think that is a scene that stays with you."

Dutton also reaffirmed the government’s stance on border protection. "The fact that we have a tough border policy in Australia means that we can offer a helping hand and a new life to those Syrians," he said. "I am very proud of that. The lesson of today reinforces that we have made the right decision."

Dutton spent most of the day speaking to the aid workers as well as the refugees at the camp and listened to their distressing stories.

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