Page 23 - News and Views Spring 2023
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It is a 4- bedroomed house for a couple with 4 children and another on the way. Their father was an
interpreter for the British Army personnel. They had to leave a nice house because they were in
imminent danger. The father is on a course and ICN - who will be guiding the family as they settle
and integrate - say that a job at the end of the course is almost guaranteed. It is a great house,
newly decorated, with new carpets laid throughout……. And swiftly, £1400 was raised to pay for the
family’s outstanding needs e.g. a cot!
No doubt this family arrived with all their relevant papers under a re-settlement scheme, but
wouldn’t it be wonderful if this example were replicated in all communities, with a warm and loving
welcome to those traumatised by their journeys and rough, inhumane treatment over countless
months and years. Instead, those arriving in small boats without papers will be declared illegal
immigrants, according to new announcements by our Government. Yet seeking asylum is a right not
a crime! This is made explicit in Article 31 of the Refugee Convention. This states that people
entering a country cannot be prosecuted, fined, or imprisoned for their illegal entry or stay, even if
they breach immigration rules to get there.
We must do what we can we do to change the present Government approach!
A Ukrainian refugee, Nataliia Gerasymchuk, exhibits her art inspired by memories of her homeland
to ‘share her feelings’ with people.
Picture courtesy of BBC News
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