HUNDREDS of people came out this evening to a vigil in Derry to show support for refugees fleeing war-torn countries in the Middle East and Africa.
The event was organised by People Before Profit in the city.
Those who turned out in solidarity were addressed by Derry and Strabane Sinn Fein Mayor Elisha McCallion.
Also speaking was journalist, trade unionist and veteran human rights campaigner Eamonn McCann.
SDLP Foyle MLA and Environment Minister Mark H Durkan also turned out in support of the fleeing migrants.
Eamonn McCann didn’t miss and hit the wall in his speech to the crowd about the image of Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach yesterday.
He said: “It is shame in the eyes of the world that we have to look at and then talk about babies being drifted from the waves like dripping bundles of rags by rescuers on the shores of the Mediterranean.
“Bodies are left to bob about like flotsam and jetsam. This cries to heaven for change and for people and politicians to be made to take a more decent attitude to all human beings and particularly human beings who have to flee for their lives from oppression and war.”
Mayor Elisha McCallion told those gathered that what was happening to the refugees was “absolutely despicable” and had left her feeling “ashamed to be part of a race that allows that to happen.
“I’m a mother of three children, and to fair, every picture I see I see my own child’s eyes in those pictures, as I am every mother, every father, every aunt, uncle and grandparent in this part of the world did.”
She too told the crowd that Derry was open for fleeing migrants.
“They can stay in my house, they can stay in your house,” she said.
“Let this be the start of something huge. Let’s show the people of the world what Derry can do when we come together.”
Mark H Durkan said it was time to force those in power to take action.
He said that local politicians would do all in their power to ensure the voice and will of the people was loud and clear at government headquarters.
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