SDLP Foyleside Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr has called for two schemes designed to help Ukrainian nationals to be extended to individuals fleeing Sudan.
Cllr Barr raised the issue at Council’s Health and Communities Council last Thursday.
On Wednesday, a boat carrying individuals seeking safety from Sudan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Iran and other countries capsized in Greece.
Said Cllr Barr: “I know that the whole community in Derry will want to express their horror at the terrible incident that occurred this week which claimed the lives of hundreds of people seeking safety. Every single one of the victims of this distressing incident had hopes for a better life here.
“It’s totally unconscionable that while people are trying so desperately to reach our shores, the British government is pursuing an Illegal Migration Bill that demonizes these people who are seeking protection from violent regimes.
“This Bill is nothing short of an abomination, exploits fear for political purposes and flies in the face of the 1951 Refugee Convention, to which the UK was a leading signatory.
“We urgently need to send a resounding message of support to those seeking sanctuary, especially in the face of increasingly inhumane government policy.
“Unfortunately, so far the number of individuals who have been resettled in Northern Ireland has been vanishingly small and new resettlement opportunities are severely limited.
“I am particularly concerned by those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has escalated to crisis levels and left many Sudanese nationals in this city deeply concerned for the safety of their loved ones.
“These individuals have become an integral part of our city and we must stand with them.
“I am calling for immediate measures to support our Sudanese neighbours, colleagues and friends through the extension of visas for those legally residing in Northern Ireland and the expeditious processing of asylum claims.
“I see no reason why the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme models in particular cannot be extended to individuals fleeing Sudan.
“I am pleased that Council has backed my proposal to write to the British government on this idea and demand compassionate and immediate action to help Sudanese people within our city and district.
“It’s not enough to express support in just words for the principles of compassion, human rights and solidarity – we have to walk the walk as well and today’s agreement by Council is a signal of Derry’s commitment to those principles.”
Tags: