| Friday 19 June Details on Facebook event here Stand Up To Racism is calling on anti-racists to join a socially distanced demonstration tomorrow in George Square, Glasgow, to send a positive anti-racist message from Glasgow-s George Square to the world. The demonstration follows events in the last week where groups of racist thugs have violently rampaged through George Square, and this week attacked a no Evictions mobilisation peacefully campaigning for refugee rights. Anti racists will come together to reiterate our opposition to racism and the treatment of asylum seekers in our city who are being abandoned, made destitute and treated like dirt by the UK government’s ‘Hostile Environment’. On UN World Refugee Day anti racists are saying it loud and clear—refugees are welcome here. The demonstration will include brief speeches and #TakeTheKnee in solidarity with those fighting for justice worldwide against racism. Stand Up To Racism also advises those unable to join to think of what they can do in their local areas and get together with friends, family or neighbours (2 metres apart) to take a picture and show solidarity on World Refugee Day. Glasgow Stand Up To Racism has issued the following public announcement for the demonstration to ensure its ability to organise social distancing and maintain safety given the Covid19 crisis: ⚠️ Please do not use public transport ⚠️ Please do not travel further than public health allows ⚠️ Please wear a mask and respect the 2-metre distancing our stewards team will have in place ⚠️ Please follow the instructions of the stewarding team at all times ⚠️ Please leave together at the end of the event 📢 Volunteers required! Please get in touch with us through this page or email sutrglasgow@gmail.com if you would like to be part of the stewarding team Supporters include: Positive Action in Housing, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees, FBU Scotland, RMT Scotland, Social Work Action Network, Glasgow Unite Retired Members Branch Ruby Hirsch, Glasgow Stand Up To Racism said “At a time when the anti-racist movement is growing in size and strength we need to continue to work to grow it, put down roots in every area, and build with everyone saying that Black Lives Matter, from trade unions to faith groups and all equality campaigners to defeat racism in Scotland. Glasgow has a proud history of standing up against racism. Tomorrow’s protest is about coming together to send a clear message to the world -refugees are welcome in this city, black lives matter. It is great to see a united voice from faith organisations, charities, politicians but most importantly ordinary people of all walks of life coming together to say we will not be divided and we will never accept racism in any form. “In Scotland, BAME people are more likely to die in police custody, more likely to die from Coronavirus, and asylum seekers are moved into unsafe living conditions in the middle of a pandemic. Scotland is not innocent, but people are coming together to root out racism and demand change.“ Joseph Mendy, FBU National Secretary Black & Ethnic Minority Members, said “The FBU fully support and are in solidarity with Stand Up To Racism. We would like to loudly add our voice to the echoing voices of “Enough is Enough” in terms of Racial Inequality worldwide. We should all strive to eradicate Racism from Civil Services and deliver Social Justice for all. We should try to encourage the elimination of the Systematic Racism within our society. “This is an opportunity for a fresh focus on righting the wrongs of the past, so we don’t repeat them in the future as we are all members of the one Race the Human Race.” Robina Qureshi, Positive Action Housing, said “We condemn the disgraceful scenes of the last few days whereby far right thugs spat on and intimidated refugees peacefully gathering in a public square for the human right housing. This is not the Glasgow we know and we don’t want this far right thuggery in our city. “By gathering United at safe distance we are saying NO to racism and fascism and YES to a Glasgow that is united in diversity.” Gordon Martin, RMT Scotland Organiser said “RMT opposes all racism, bigotry and discrimination and believe only working class unity and solidarity can advance humanity in Scotland and across the world. We cannot allow fascists and racists control of our streets, workplaces schools or anywhere else in society. Unity is strength” Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation, said “Afghan Human Rights Foundation is completely appalled by the shameful scenes of racist thuggery that took place in Glasgow George Square. There is never any excuse for violence or intimidation and this behaviour has no place in Scotland. Attacking peaceful protesters is utterly disgusting and shameful. “Let’s not give equivalence to different groups of demonstrators. As the Director of Afghan Human Rights Foundation said, One group is fighting FOR equality and AGAINST prejudice while the other is fighting AGAINST equality and FOR prejudice. “We applaud Stand Up To Racism for calling the protest tomorrow under the banner of “Glasgow Says No To Racism”. Notes to editors: 1) ) Stand Up To Racism is a national, broad based campaign set up to combat the rise of racism, the far right and fascism, and is supported by major trade unions, faith and community groups. Stand Up To Racism stands in solidarity with the movement for #BlackLivesMatter For quotes and interviews: info@standuptoracism.org.uk |