PRESS RELEASE:
After 39 Deaths – Home Office Vigil Thursday Evening
Following the tragic deaths of 39 people found in a container lorry in Essex, anti-racist and migrant rights campaigners have called a vigil in solidarity with the victims of the latest horrific example of the “Hostile Environment” for refugees and migrants.
In recent years, those fleeing poverty and war have been forced to turn to traffickers to join their families and communities in countries like Britain. The “Fortress Europe” policy including the abandonment of search and rescue operations has turned the Mediterranean Sea into a graveyard as thousands have been drowned.
Tomorrow’s event has been called to mark the tragic loss of life and call for urgent action to ensure safe passage and a fair system for those fleeing war and poverty.
The vigil will take place between 6-7pm on Thursday 24th October at the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London.
Claire Moseley from Care4Calais said: “We are horrified to hear of the deaths of 39 vulnerable and exploited people, but not surprised. The lack of safe legal routes for people to apply for asylum means that every day people who are simply seeking safety undertake dangerous journeys…it has become near impossible for people to come to the UK in a safe way”.
Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism said: “Instead of scapegoating and abusing refugees and migrants, western governments should be welcoming them, offering support, and celebrating the contribution they can make to our society.
“This has to be a moment when we take a long hard look at our society and the priorities put forward by politicians and the press.
“This government’s “hostile environment”, Johnson’s threats to deport EU nationals and the government’s constant use of issues around migration to drum up support inevitably lead to this kind of tragedy”.
Sabby Dhalu, co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism said: “This horrific and tragic loss of life is a stark reminder of the human cost of a system which treats some of the most vulnerable people in the continent as scapegoats and numbers to be reduced. The long standing demands of campaigners to ensure safe passage and treat migrants and refugees in a fair and humane manner must now be considered as a matter of urgency.”
Notes for editors
1. Vigil to take place outside the Home Office in London at 6pm on Thursday 24 October, details here
2. Stand Up To Racism is a broad based anti-racist organisation with support from across the Labour & trade union movement, faith and community groups. Last Saturday (19 October) it organised a 1000 strong conference addressed by Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, Claude Moares MEP, Richard Burgon MP, Maurice Wren – Refugee Council and many others, details here
3. Care4Calais is a charitable organisation that works tirelessly to support refugees in Northern France, details here
For further information or interviews
email info@standuptoracism.org.uk
