Congress supported a call from Aberdeen Trades Union Council
amongst others to support refugees and those seeking asylum is Scotland, and
called for the UK and Scottish Government to welcome more refugees than
currently planned.
Speaking on behalf of the ATUC, Kevin Hutchens focussed on
the plight of refugees stranded on the borders of Europe. He told delegates
that what is shown on TV is only a small part of the human tragedy that is
taking place daily. Systems for receiving and dealing with people needing
international protection are not working or absent.
Kevin said, “On Lesvos conditions have been deteriorating at
the Mona Hotspot Facility which, since 20th March has been used to
detail people pending a decision on deportation.
“There are at least 2,300 people there, above the stated
capacity of 2,000. People are sleeping in the open and there is not enough
food.”
Kevin added that there is similar overcrowding on Samos, and
on the border with Macedonia at least 11,000 people have been sleeping in the
open for many weeks, “fuelling hopelessness and despair.”
“Aid and Refugee agencies including Oxfam and the
International Rescue Committee have rightly accused the UK Government of
failing in its responsibilities to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable
people displaced by conflict, violence, persecution and poverty.”
Kevin pointed to the recently published, “A Safe Haven”
which lays out the steps the UK needs to take to respond to the global
displacement crisis. This includes expanding safe and legal routes to
protection in the UK; improved humanitarian response in Europe, including
humane reception conditions at borders; and improved conditions in countries
hosting displaced people.
“Passing this composite helps support these demands but also
creates acceptance in Scotland,” said Kevin, calling on us all to accept and
support the composite, “For the sake of all the dispossessed across the world.”
“Humanity demands nothing less!
