Glasgow Campaigns for Migrant Rights
no one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark
– Warsan Shire, Home
25,000 people have died trying to get to or stay in Europe since 2000 (International Organisation for Migration) and, yet, refugees are not given support but are faced with xenophobia, detention, destitution, abuse and physical violence. In the coming months, with Brexit and another independence referendum on the cards, Scotland is at a crossroads in its history. Are we going to turn away from the suffering of thousands of innocent people fleeing warfare and devastation, taking long arduous journeys for a better life for themselves and their families or are we going to support them in their quest for safety, for security and defend the right to freedom of movement for one and all?
In Glasgow, we have already seen great resistance to the recent descent into nativism and jingoism brought about by the pro-Brexit campaign and overseas with the election of (I still can’t believe I’m about to type the next two words and mean it) President Trump. Huge protests around Scotland, in all the major cities, demonstrate the appetite for an alternative way of looking at migration, of taking a more humane approach, of treating our fellow travellers with compassion and understanding rather than disdain and the subdued contempt that suffuses our current political climate.
Most of the world’s refugees don’t flee to Europe, let alone the UK. Only 1% live here. Developing countries host over 80% of the world’s refugees.
(British Red Cross)
At Global Justice Glasgow, we are preparing for a whole host of events taking place over the next few weeks, each one a chance to build the campaign for migrant rights, to ask the difficult questions, to engage, challenge and support.
With stalls from various organisations, a powerful and moving photo exhibition and a screening of the outstanding documentary Precarious Trajectories, this event looks to be the perfect storm for anyone interested in migrant rights to come together and support each other and develop ideas on how to make progress on these difficult issue.
The main afternoon discussion will be on what can be done to tackle this issue in Scotland specifically and what we should demand of the Scottish government in response to this crisis.
Refugee Festival Scotland (20th June – 2nd July)
Hosted by the Scottish Refugee Council, this festival celebrates the contribution refugees make to the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and how Glaswegians embrace this as they become neighbours, colleagues, classmates and friends. Last year, it attracted around 13,300 people at 140 events across the country ranging from live music and performances to literature events. For this year’s programme and other updates, keep an eye on the website.
CCA Film Screenings (23rd June, 6-8m – final details tbc)
A screening of three local and global films from Take One Action, exploring lack of safe passage for refugees, and their lives in their chosen destination country:
We will be at the Glasgow Mela, Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival from 12-8pm on Sunday, 2nd July in Kelvingrove Park. Come along to take part in the festivities – the activities, the food, the performances and much more. It’s worth coming to see clothing alone! – as dazzling and spectacular as it can possibly be. You may also get to meet our favourite bear from Peru, one Mr. Brown, first name Paddington – and don’t be surprised if you see his friendly face popping up around Glasgow over the coming weeks – keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter for possible sightings!
Bottomless suitcases and marmalade aside, we hope to engage anyone interested in the topic of Migration whether it be someone wanting to question, to learn more, to explore, to challenge or simply enjoy the stunning array of sights and sounds you’ll be surrounded by on the day, Make sure to follow the Mela Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
Right now, Scotland is rediscovering its identity and we have a chance now to move towards more progressive values, towards a better way of doing things and not sliding into the same, old, ineffectual discourse about ‘us versus them’. We can reject the political parties which bang the populist drum against migrants with their toxic rhetoric of division, half-truths and hatred. Let’s take a better approach, one that acknowledges the challenges ahead of us but does not shy away from them. Let’s show them what the people of Glasgow are really made of.
We hope to see you over the coming weeks as we fight to make Glasgow a city that welcomes all and stands up for the vulnerable because we know People Make Glasgow, wherever we’re fae.
