Thought for the Week: Refugees
Barbara Forbes of the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network reflects on the current situation
People are leaving desperate situations and risking their lives to seek a place of safety in Europe. They are fleeing wars, conflict and dictatorships, situations for which our western governments share the responsibility. They are not coming for our benefits; they are coming to rebuild their shattered lives, hoping for dignity and a future for their children.
If, as Quakers, we believe that there is one Light in every human being, we cannot turn away from the suffering of our sisters and brothers. Other European countries put the paltry offerings of our government to shame. The current situation has brought out the worst, and the best, in the countries that are receiving them.
Germany (a nation which has examined and come to terms with its recent history to an extent that we can only imagine) has embraced many thousands while Greece, battered by its treatment at the hands of the EU, has struggled bravely to cope with the numbers arriving on its shores. Other EU member states have revealed the depths of their racism and intolerance, while citizens of those very countries have rallied to support the desperate newcomers.
The UK government’s response has not only been inadequate, it has shown a callous and selfish disregard for human life. This is why thousands of people gathered on Saturday 12 September to demonstrate to the government the strength of public opinion and the willingness of the general public to welcome refugees from the current crisis into our midst.
At the same time, we must not forget that there are many asylum seekers from other countries among us already, who desperately need our support. While it is heartening to know that so many people are prepared to open their homes to refugees, there are already in this country 200,000 destitute asylum seekers from all over the world, who do not appear on our television screens. They have been made destitute by our government, whose policies are aimed at creating a hostile environment for those who seek sanctuary and safety here.
Further information: www.qarn.org.uk
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