In the light of the recent racist stance taken by anti-asylum seekers in our borough. We have prepared this statement.
Statement for Rushmoor
We, as residents of Rushmoor and representatives of organisations that work in the borough, wish to make this statement:
The UK has a proud history of providing protection for refugees. In our increasingly unstable world, the 1951 UN Refugee Convention remains one of the bedrocks of the international rules-based order.
The right to seek asylum is a legal right we all share. Sharing responsibility for global issues is the fair thing to do. Welcoming people from other countries strengthens us by making our community more diverse and more flexible in our fast-changing world.
Those escaping war and persecution come to the UK in search of a safe haven. They want to rebuild their lives and contribute to our communities. Many will feel alone and isolated because they have lost the support networks that most of us take for granted – communities, colleagues, relatives and friends. Some will have endured persecution, torture and bereavement. We believe refugees and those seeking asylum should be welcomed. Everyone has the right to seek safety.
We stand with those who oppose violence and racism. We will work to bring our community together, tackle the crises we face and build unity against those seeking to divide us.
We oppose those in Rushmoor who regularly demonstrate in front of asylum seekers’ accommodation, demanding that the people living there must be removed. They use banners making false claims and chants intended to intimidate. Together we must mobilise against the misinformation circulated by the far right, and stand up to racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism.
This cannot carry on. We are the majority, they are the few.
Acknowledgments – Red Cross: Refugee Council: Amnesty International: Refugee Action: Asylum Matters: Friends of the Earth: Stand up to Racism.