In response to David Cameron’s announcement today that Britain will accept ‘several hundred’ more people fleeing the civil war in Syria, Stephen Hale, Chief Executive of Refugee Action says:
“An increase, albeit small, in resettlement numbers is a really positive first step from the Government. But we urgently need a meaningful response that is consistent with the scale of the crisis.”
This week UNHCR reported that the number of people worldwide that have been forced to flee their homes by wars, conflict and persecution is the highest in recorded history.
Stephen Hale added:
“We are witnessing the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. In response, Germany is taking 30,000 Syrian refugees. We now need a commitment from the Prime Minister to resettle thousands not hundreds of people who’ve been forced to flee their home in fear of their life.
“In the past, Britain rescued refugees from conflicts in Kosovo, Bosnia and Vietnam. Now it’s time for us to lead the way once again.”
As a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, charity Refugee Action has been campaigning for the UK to do the right thing and offer refugees another way to safety by increasing resettlement places for people forced to flee.
Together with Citizens UK, Refugee Action will celebrate the role the UK has played protecting those fleeing persecution on Wednesday 24 June. Over fifty refugees including those who fled Nazi Germany and wars in Vietnam and Bosnia will unite in a walk of witness across London. The group will call for increased resettlement to those at urgent risk.