ShareTweetForward Press Release… for immediate release.. Anti racists to hold vigil protest in solidarity after hundreds of people seeking refuge and safe passage drown in Greece EMERGENCY PROTEST // After refugees drown in Greece // Refugees welcome // Safe passage now See event page: https://facebook.com/events/s/protest-refugees-welcome-safe-/1435939516948663/ Hundreds of people have died off of the Greek coast in an appalling disaster. Stand Up To Racism, Care4Calais and others have called a protest to stand in solidarity with all those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones and to demand safe passage now. Anti racists say this needless loss of life is another yet another preventable tragedy resulting from a fortress Europe policy and hostile environment strategy that makes safe passage for refugees all but impossible. Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor said: “Another heart breaking wholly preventable tragedy has taken place – hundreds losing their lives, and thousands more affected by losing loved ones and friends. The racist policies of Fortress Europe and of governments including our own has led to countless preventable tragedies. People risking their lives merely trying to find safe passage to live their lives are forced by racist border policies to bark on treacherous journeys in search of safety. While the likes of Sunak and Braverman demonise refugees and criminalise seeking safety in their ‘Illegal Migration Bill’ and ‘Rwanda plan’ policies, there remain to be no safe and legal routes for people to exercise their internationally recognised human right to seek asylum. “We must continue to mobilise against the racist and scapegoating policies of this government and of fortress Europe that are turning the Mediterranean sea into a graveyard. These policies are in breach of international human rights legislation and are giving oxygen to the fascist and far right who are mobilising in towns across Britain and Europe targetting refugees.” Charlotte Khan from refugee charity Care4Calais said: “The tragedy in southern Greece is heartbreaking and all of our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims. “These tragedies have occurred too often, and too many refugees have lost their life in them, including in the English Channel. They are only occurring because of the dehumanising political environment in the UK and across Europe towards refugees. Instead of treating them as people with families, fleeing from terror, they are demonised as others, to be feared and repelled. “It’s time that changed. We must treat refugees as human beings, deserving of our compassion and treated with dignity. That means providing safe passage, allowing them to safely travel to claim asylum. That’s the only way we will end these tragedies and save lives.” To arrange further quotes and interviews: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |