In preparatory documents for 2001 World Conference against Racism
and Xenophobia, a number of human rights agencies have warned that
growing racist and xenophobic hostility toward refugees and immigrants
is recognised as a serious expression of the denial of human rights,
dignity and security.
In the meantime in the UK the Home Secretary has launched yet
another attack on 1951 Geneva Convention and the Conservative leader
has yet again used asylum issue to launch his pre-election campaign.
1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (aka Geneva
Convention) is not a perfect protection document and from the legal
and moral protection point of view it should be improved to meet
the changing and growing needs of those fleeing persecution around
the world. However, EU countries have been subverting and restricting
application of the Geneva Convention to the point that it is virtually
impossible to claim asylum legally in Europe and campaigners and
refugee advocates are fighting to keep Geneva Convention, imperfect
as it is, because it is still the best that we have and we will
ever get in current political set up in Europe.
The key to the right to seek asylum is the principle of freedom
of movement including the right of a person to leave their own country.
However, European governments have systematically obstructed this
right in the past decade, and are currently seeking to create buffer
states around EU that would host refugees and allow EU governments
to pick and choose who will be allowed in and where.
It is ironic that the very same governments responsible for establishment
of the Geneva Convention are now desperately seeking to withdraw
from it.
In the meantime, it is pre-election time in the UK and that means
it is open season on asylum seekers. They should be locked up, kicked
out ö they should not come here at all - in fact the only genuine
refugee is the dead refugee. This is how politicians try to out
do each other ö and no ö they are not racist they are only concerned
for the welfare of Īgenuine refugeesā. The asylum seekers have become
multi-purpose enemy. It is just matter of time when they will be
blamed for the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
It is really sad that it is down to the police to warn about the
damage this kind of debate has on race relations and the quality
of life of asylum seekers. The politicians continue to out do each
other and the press is eagerly joining in.
Many asylum seekers are already paying the price of such a scapegoating
campaign, by being bullied and attacked on the streets of multicultural
Britain. The death of 58 Chinese migrants last year was accompanied
by chilling silence from political establishment.
In Germany such a scapegoating of refugees by leading politicians
lead to open violence against immigrants. Refugees have been beaten
to death and firebombed.
Racism against immigrants reached the boiling point last year
when Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had to speak out against conservative
opposition parties for their views on asylum.
He said that giving asylum to refugees was a question of "self-respect"
for Germany and the progress in civilisation it had made since the
end of fascism. It worked. The leader of opposition actually apologised
for his statements.
Sadly, we can only dream of such an exchange in the British Parliament,
where Tony Blair would stand up to William Hagueās attack on migrants
rights and force him to apologise for whipping up racism and xenophobia.
In spite of hard work of politicians and the right wing press,
asylum seekers are welcomed by communities and individuals who find
time to meet them, help them and befriend them, help them recover
and campaign. Church networks, anti-racist groups and great number
of individuals with strong sense for justice are campaigning and
working hard to help asylum seekers find sanctuary in Britain.
You can take action to prevent further erosion of basic human
rights of asylum seekers in Britain and Europe.
The political parties have made it clear that they regard the
rights of asylum seekers and refugees as issues to be taken up in
the general election campaign. You can ensure that these rights
are defended and upheld.
Write to the candidates of all the main political parties in your
constituency asking them to make a public statement in support of
maintaining the individual right to asylum and the Geneva Convention.
You can contact us if you would like suggestions on how to draft
your letters. We have produced an up to date facts vs. myths leaflet
that is available from our offices or our web site (www.ncadc.org.uk)
which can help you to combat prejudice against immigrants. It is
easy to deal with people who have prejudice against asylum seekers
ö just tell them the truth.
If you are a member of a trade union, Church or faith group, or
a community association, and your colleagues share your concerns
about the rights of refugees, you could even think of organising
a public meeting. Invite the candidates to speak, and call on them
to defend the rights of refugees! Invite refugees to speak and give
their personal testimonies about their exile.
