On Saturday 17th February, at the gates of the Derwentside IRC, we gathered to write Valentine messages and to sing to the women imprisoned inside Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre, to show love and solidarity and to remind them that they do have support from the community outside the walls of a place that holds them there indefinitely. Our action was part of the national Together with Refugees campaign Fair Begins Here as it launches around the country this week.
Northern Outcry, a North East choir ‘Singing for a Better World’ joined the campaigners to sing songs of resistance and solidarity with the women locked inside.
Bex Mather from Northern Outcry said;
“We’re singing in solidarity with the women who are being detained in Hassockfield. We sing as a protest, and to make sanctuary in the act of singing. We sing to know that hope, beauty and community can exist even in the darkest of times.” Also performing will be No to Hassockfield supporter and local singer Bethany Elen.
Credits to Simone Rudolphi for images
The Fair Begins Here campaign was launched on Wednesday 14th February, by the Together with Refugees Coalition. A recent poll commissioned by Together With Refugees shows that 80% of the British public want an approach to the asylum system that is well managed, fair and compassionate. The campaign is calling for a fair and kind new plan for refugees that works for everyone. It demonstrates how prominent people from across the UK and all parts of society support this call including the BMA, UNISON, National Association of Head Teachers, faith leaders and stars of sport, stage and screen, and those with lived experience of seeking sanctuary..
The poll also reveals that fewer than 1 in 5 (18%) of the British public think the government’s approach to the asylum system is working well. This number increases to just 1 in 4 (28%) when only looking at respondents who intend to vote Conservative at the next election and decreases to 1 in 6 (16%) for those who intend to vote Labour.
The Fair Begins Here campaign is calling for a fair new plan for refugees with:
· Protection for people fleeing war and persecution by upholding the UK’s commitment under international law to the right to claim asylum and by scrapping the Rwanda scheme.
· A proper strategy for welcoming refugees by ensuring fair, rapid decisions on their application for asylum, and the chance to rebuild their lives through settling in a community, being allowed to work and the chance to learn English.
· Stronger global cooperation to tackle the root causes that force people to flee their homes and provides positive solutions when they do, including through safe routes to refugee protection.
· With more than 600 members, Together With Refugees – from large national organisations to small grassroots projects – will be bringing the campaign to communities across the UK throughout the year.
“Given the chance, we know communities across the country go the extra mile to welcome refugees – opening their homes, volunteering, speaking up and donating. And, given the chance, refugees do so much to enrich our society as they build new lives. The campaign at Derwentside IRC shows extraordinary commitment and compassion from people across the North East in support of people seeking asylum. It’s clear we need a positive alternative to the current uncaring, costly and chaotic system. Now is the time for a new plan for refugees, one that’s rooted in fairness, justice and compassion.”
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