Merton – Borough of Sanctuary

On 5 February 2020 Merton Council became a Borough of Sanctuary.

In response to a motion from Labour councillors, Merton Council voted unanimously that it should declare itself a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’.

The motion stated:

‘Merton is a place that welcomes those from around the world. We value the enormous contributions that refugees and migrants have made, and continue to make to the borough. Declaring Merton to be a “Borough of Sanctuary” would reaffirm Merton’s commitment to the borough’s refugee and migrant communities.

Council calls on cabinet to declare Merton to be a “Borough of Sanctuary”; to continue to work with organisations in the borough who support refugees and asylum seekers in the borough, to work with community groups to harness public support to help and support refugee, migrant and asylum seekers in Merton, and to continue to celebrate the contribution of refugee and migrant communities to Merton and challenge anti-refugee and anti-migrant attitudes wherever they are found.’

The motion was moved by Councillor Macauley (Labour, Lavender Fields) and seconded by Councillor Lanning (Labour, Cricket Green). Councillor Ormrod (Conservative, Trinity) also spoke on this item.

The motion was put to a vote and was carried unanimously.

For more information about what it means to be a Borough of Sanctuary and the City of Sanctuary movement, go to the City of Sanctuary website or visit Sutton 4 Sanctuary.

S4P&J at the Environmental Fair

Sutton for Peace & Justice and Sutton 4 Sanctuary will be at the Environmental Fair in Carshalton Park on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2019. Visit our stall K06 & K07 to speak to members and find out about us and the issues that we are campaigning on.

At our stall we will also be hosting ‘The Colloquium in Carshalton Park’ – a series of informal and open discussions on a range of peace and justice issues. Please come along and hear about these important issues, have your say and join the debate:

Refugees welcome here – at 11.30 and 14.30

Examining why people become refugees and making Sutton a community that welcomes refugees.  Presented by Sutton 4 Sanctuary.

Peace, not war – at 12.30 and 15.30

Working for peace and campaigning against the arms trade and armed drones. Presented by Sutton for Peace and Justice.

Plus information and discussions on a range of peace and justice issues including:

• The plight of Palestinians today
• The need for practical action to address the climate emergency
• War and conflict across the world
• The scourge of homelessness, poverty and debt.

Colloquium – an informal gathering for the exchange of views, from the latin ‘to talk together’; a seminar usually led by a different expert speaker at each meeting.

The Colloquium in Carshalton Park

Sutton for Peace & Justice and Sutton 4 Sanctuary will be at the Environmental Fair in Carshalton Park on Bank Holiday Monday 27 August 2018. Visit our stall at K03 and K04 to speak to members and find out about us and the issues that we have been campaigning on.

Throughout the day at our stall we will be hosting ‘The Colloquium in Carshalton Park’ – a series of informal and open discussions on a range of peace and justice issues. Please come along and hear about these important issues, have your say and join the debate:

11.30 Refugees welcome here
Helping refugees find a welcome and establish a new home in Sutton.

12.00 The plight of Palestinians today
Human rights violations and house demolitions in the occupied territories.

12.30 Injustice by a thousand cuts
The importance of an effectively functioning justice system.

13.00 Stop war – stop the arms trade
Military investment and the arms trade encourages war – it should be stopped.

14.00 Refugees welcome here – as 11.30.

14.30 The plight of Palestinians today – as 12.00.

15.00 Injustice by a thousand cuts – as 12.30.

15.30 Stop war – stop the arms trade – as 13.00.

Colloquium – an informal gathering for the exchange of views, from the latin ‘to talk together’; a seminar usually led by a different academic or expert speaker at each meeting.

 

Its time for an honest conversation about migration

By Saleh Mamon (first published on http://salehmamon.com, 20 July 2018)

In the wake of the European summit on migration, it is time to debunk myths and speak out some truths.

A spectre is haunting Europe. This time it is fear of hordes of dark skinned people swamping its shores. Often it is the Muslim within and without whose alien culture is about to threaten Christian Europe. The so called ‘populist’ movements have become a euphemism for right wing nationalist political movements who are setting the xenophobic political agenda.

In June we marked 25 years of refugee crisis with a salutary reminder that at its most conservative 34,361 migrants and refugees died trying to reach Europe. Many more have drowned and many scorched to death trying to cross the Sahara. They will remain uncounted with no memorials.

Following the two day European summit to resolve the migration crisis towards the end of June, the Evening Standard editorial addressed some of the issues on 29 of June. However the arguments put forward reinforced some of the myths that are widespread.

Firstly, to argue that migration is driven by rapidly increasing population in Africa is to succumb to a long held Malthusian myth of population as the main driver of social ills. The truth is that globalisation over the last thirty years as a means for greater prosperity has in fact increased poverty across Africa. Research carried out by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative showed that across the 24 Sub-Saharan African countries, about 200 million people were destitute in 2014. The imposition of Structural Adjustment Programmes by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on African countries enforcing economic liberalisation, free trade and privatisation to service debt increased poverty and inequality.

It is popular to argue that generous benefits are attracting migrants to Europe, more so now because of access to social media and mobile phones in Africa which show how better life is in Europe. Researchers who gathered information over 1000 interviews with migrants and refugees found that there was no evidence to support this view. Claims are often made by many politicians that most refugees are economic migrants. Another survey of migrants showed that only 20 percent leave there countries for Europe for economic reasons. The majority of migrants who reach European shores are fleeing wars, violence and persecution.

The US declaration of the generational global war on terror following September 11 was a turning point. Beginning with Afghanistan in 2001, moving to Iraq in 2003, then to Libya in 2011 and followed by Syria, the war involved direct invasions, ensuing counterinsurgencies and proxy wars. As in other modern wars, bombing and airstrikes were the major cause of internal displacement and cross-border refugees. Further afield, the civil war in Southern Sudan, the ongoing war on terrorism in Somalia, the war in Yemen, the repression in Eritrea, the war on terrorism in the Sahel including Nigeria have all contributed to producing refugees. Of the 62.5 million refugees 85 percent find shelter in their neighbourhood and 57 percent of all the refugees come from three countries, Afghanistan, Syria and South Sudan.

The other myth that has been promoted has been that Europe has a liberal migration policy. Frontex, the European Border and Coastguard Agency was set up in 2005 and its mandate was reinforced in 2016 in the wake of the 2015 migration crisis. It has enormous powers to intercept, control and deport migrants without any regard for their human rights. The conditions in the existing refugee camps are inhumane, cramped, and insecure leading to trauma amongst refugees.

The political fault lines that were there much earlier widened across Europe with the 2015 migration crisis. The courage of Merkel to open German borders nearly a million fleeing Syrian refugees in 2015 should never be forgotten. Other politicians in Europe began building fences. Viktor Orban Prime Minister of Hungary led the charge proclaiming himself as the defender of Hungary and Europe against Muslim migrants. East European leaders of Austria and the Visegrad four, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia have all taken his anti-immigrant politics. Since then, she has been under attack in Germany and across Europe. The rise of the AFD in Germany poses a threat to the centre and left in Germany. The refusal by Matteo Salvini the Interior minister in the populist Italian government to allow MV Aquarius carrying over 600 African refugees to dock in an Italy port was historic and equally a portent.

The migration agreement reached by EU leaders after 12 hours of night long acerbic talks was a compromise to contain the tensions within the EU. One of key proposals is screening migrants for their eligibility to apply for asylum before they reach the EU. Countries in North Africa and the Middle East would be offered EU financial aid in exchange for agreeing to set up screening centres. This is a deeply worrying extension of the outsourcing of refugees that is currently in place in Libya and Turkey.

In Libya, thousands of refugees and migrants are currently detained in camps where they suffer torture and other ill-treatment and arbitrary detention in appalling conditions, extortion, forced labour and killings at the hands of Libyan officials, militias and smugglers. Amnesty International’s findings reveal how member states of EU – and Italy in particular – have pursued their own goal of restricting the flow of refugees and migrants across the Mediterranean by outsourcing using financial incentives with the slightest concern for the vulnerable people.

In creating a hostile environment for refugees and migrants, there is a growing tendency to use laws that are directed at people traffickers and smugglers to harass humanitarian organisations and individuals who are trying to save lives and support vulnerable refugees. Hungary is again at the forefront of enacting laws whereby individuals and organisations providing advice and assistance to asylum seekers could on conviction face imprisonment of one year and a tax of 25% respectively.

Policies have consequences in determining who lives and who dies. Europe can change its policies to address the concerns of the electorates and win over a new political consensus. The populist narrative must be challenged. The public needs to be persuaded that Europe can manage migration if all government work together to develop effective asylum systems. This would include honest explanation of the benefits and challenges of migration, making legal migration a credible prospect, creating a system of proper integration, and creating a system for the safe return of rejected asylum seekers. If voters understand that most people who flee their homes are hosted in developing countries and Europeans need to do their bit, they might take pride in the reduction of human suffering.

In the longer term the root causes of migration must be dealt with. The wars and conflicts should be brought to an end with systematic conflict resolution. The economic policies of the highly developed Western countries must be changed to allow the transformation of underdeveloped African countries to meet the material needs of their people for jobs, homes, food, education and health.

What the US must do to bring peace and stability to the Middle East

A response to Mike Pompeo’s 12 demands on Iran.

By Saleh Mamon

Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state set out 12 demands on Iran on the 21 May at in a speech at the Heritage Foundation. It is urgent that the unending wars and destruction in the Middle East are brought to an end for the sake of its peoples, their right to life and security. The US is a paramount military power in the Middle East and it should carry out its moral responsibilities by doing the following:

1) Deal with the issue of nuclear proliferation honestly and equitably by including Israel in the process of denuclearisation. Ensure that both Israel and Iran provide unqualified access to all nuclear sites throughout their respective countries to the IAEA. Facilitate the denuclearisation of the region by removing the shadow of nuclear threat hanging over the people of the Middle East.

2) Prevail on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and abandon its policy of violence against unarmed Palestinian civilians. Prevent the establishment of new settlements on occupied Palestinian land and help end all the administrative laws that choke Palestinian lives. Ensure that Israel releases all political prisoners. Bring all parties including Hamas together to establish peace by an equitable and just settlement for Palestinians that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

3) Restore US funding to UNRWA that provides the basic needs of millions of Palestinian refugees in the neighbouring countries. Seek in collaboration with the regional powers a long-term solution to address the needs of these refugees for homes, food, health and education, and their return to their homeland.

4) Ensure the security and integrity of Lebanon and stop Israel from violating its air space. Recognise that Hezbollah is a legitimate political force with historical roots in Lebanon and involve it in establishing peace in the area. Bring Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran together to ensure political stability and security in Lebanon.

5) Abandon the policy of regime change in Syria. Work with Russia and other regional powers for a political solution to the Syrian conflict. Stop the Saudi and Gulf states arming and supporting proxy groups and ISIS in Syria. Respect the integrity of Syria and stop any break up of its territory. With the other regional powers, Russia and the European Union, set up a mechanism for the reconstruction of Syria and for Syrian refugees to return home in the coming decade.

6) Prevail on Turkey to stop its occupation of the Kurdish region in the Northeast of Syria and oppose any ethnic cleansing of the towns and villages of their Kurdish population. Recognise the aspirations of the Kurdish people as legitimate and urge Turkey to release all political prisoners. Assist Turkey to find a political solution that is inclusive of its Kurdish citizens.

7) After the defeat of ISIS, take urgent steps with the Iraqi government to reconstruct the destroyed villages, towns and cities of Iraq with the use of the receipts from Iraq’s oil exports. Support the Iraqi government to build its non-oil economic sectors, infrastructure, health and education systems. Stop the political fragmentation of Iraq and end the occupation of Iraq.

8) Bring an end to the conflict in Afghanistan since its invasion and occupation in 2001 by declaring a ceasefire and agreeing a peace process with all parties, including Taliban and the regional neighbours of Afghanistan such as Pakistan, India, Iran, Russia and China.

9) Prevail on its allies in the Gulf Coalition to stop the bombing in Yemen and lift the blockade of Yemen to enable humanitarian aid to reach quickly the millions who need it. Ensure that a ceasefire is established and set up a process engaging all parties to reach a political solution leading to the withdrawal of foreign forces. Help, with the regional powers, to reconstruct Yemen’s destroyed infrastructure and economy.

10) Understand the anxieties and fears of Iran in terms of its national security. Stop demonising Iran and recognise it as a regional power that has legitimate security interests. Lift all sanctions on Iran and let the Iranian economy have full access to the world market. Involve Iran with the other regional powers such as Israel, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and Egypt in efforts to secure peace and stability in the region.

11) Prevail on Egypt to stop attacking peaceful protestors and to release political prisoners and allow the freedom of expression and association for the opposition. Ensure that there is freedom from torture and security force violence in Egypt. Work towards restoring political freedoms in Egypt.

12) Work with the UN, Europe, Egypt and other relevant regional countries to implement UN plan to reconcile the different factions in Libya to establish a unified democratic government in Libya. Help with the reconstruction of Libya’s infrastructure and economy.

 

Why do Eritrean’s risk their lives to flee their country?

Report by Mike McLoughlin.

On the 6^th April Sutton for Peace & Justice invited a settled Eritrean refugee Fessahaye Gebregiorgis, know as George, to speak about the present situation in Eritrea and why so many young people risk their lives by trying to escape the country. He brought an Eritrean friend, Gabriel, who has worked in the Ethiopian refugee camps for “Save the Children” and also contributed to the discussion.

George started by saying he was very grateful to the UK for twice accepting him as a refugee, first when Eritrea was invaded by Ethiopia and then after the present president tore up the independence constitution and became a dictator controlling every aspect of Eritrean life and ridding himself of his previous co-fighters.

After 30 years of war for independence, Isaias Afwerki became the first president of Eritrea, and has held that position ever since its independence in 1993. In 1994 he got rid of the UN peacekeeping force on the Eritrea/Ethiopia border and in 1998 declared war on and invaded Ethiopia. Then using this as an excuse, he declared a state of emergency, suspending the constitution, imposing military rule and arresting his deputy and some cabinet members. None have been seen since and they are all believed to be dead. Afwerki has removed all possibility of a challenge to his regime of fear and divide-and-rule, and dictates everything concerning life in Eritrea.

In Eritrea there is no freedom of speech, no right to assemble, religious freedom is restricted and young people are conscripted into indefinite military service, many being used as, in effect, slave labour. In a country which now has a population under 4 million there are 300 prisons in which no visitors are allowed and if a prisoner dies no-one is informed. If a person is arrested their family realise it is the end for them.

In view of all this it is not surprising that there are 150,000 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia and many more in Sudan, despite the Eritrean army’s shoot to kill policy at the border.

Gold is mined there but as there is no official budget no one knows how much revenue is generated or how it is spent, except that some of it goes to the president’s supporters. The Country is rich in other minerals and there has been a recent discovery of significant amounts of potash. The UK wants to do business with the regime and is particularly interested in the potash.

The UK Government refuses to acknowledge the real situation in Eritrea and has adopted a harsh policy towards Eritrean asylum seekers, even giving as an excuse that the Eritrean government encourages its young people to try to get to Europe in order to benefit from money sent back to their families. As a result, many young Eritreans in this country, who are allowed to remain but not allowed to work and have no access to government funds, are despairing; their mental health is deteriorating and the suicide rate is rising.

The true situation in Eritrea is verified by  the UN Human Rights Commission report, the second part of which was presented in June 2016, and the Human Rights Watch Report of June 2015 – both available on the internet. There are also many videos featuring Eritrean refugees on YouTube which show the conditions there and their escape journeys, two of which were shown at the meeting.

Public meeting – Refugees welcome here

Sutton 4 Sanctuary and Sutton for Peace & Justice invite you to a public meeting in Sutton on 6 April:

Refugees welcome here

Why people flee their home country

Why we should give them sanctuary and a welcome here

This meeting will examine why thousands are forced to flee their homes and face the perils of travelling across North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea to find safety in Europe, and how some of them seek sanctuary here in Sutton.

Come and see a short film; hear the personal experience of a
refugee from Eritrea who has settled in South London; find out more and join the debate.

Friday 6 April 7.30–9.30pm, doors open at 7.00

Sutton Quaker Meeting House, Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA

There is no entry charge, donations will be taken on the night

Please reserve your place by email to
admin@sutton4sanctuary.uk
or by text message to 07740 594496

Palestine – 100 years after Balfour

Sutton for Peace and Justice will host a meeting to mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration:

Wednesday 29 November, 7.30–9.30pm, doors open at 7.00.
Sutton Quaker Meeting House, Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA.

100 years ago the Balfour Declaration pledged Britain’s support for a ‘national home’ in Palestine for the Jewish people, on the understanding that the rights of ‘existing non-jewish communities in Palestine’ would not be prejudiced.

The first part of this pledge led to the establishment of the state of Israel. But Britain reneged on the the second part, leaving Palestinians dispossessed and living as refugees or under occupation.

The resulting suffering and conflict has gone on far too long.
It is time to acknowledge Britain’s broken promises, and bring justice
and equal rights to everyone living in Israel and Palestine.

Come and hear first-hand accounts of the plight of Palestinians today,
and join the discussion of how we can support Palestinians and Israelis
to build a peaceful future based on equal rights for all.

Please reserve your place by email to sutton4peace@yahoo.co.uk
or by text message to 07740 594496.

There is no entry charge, donations will be taken on the night.

You can download or flyer/poster here.

 

The Colloquium in Carshalton Park

Sutton for Peace and Justice brings you

The Colloquium in Carshalton Park

Throughout the day of the Environmental Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 28 August at Carshalton Park, Sutton for Peace and Justice will be hosting a series of informal and open discussions on a range of peace and justice issues:

11.30 Sutton 4 Sanctuary – Refugees welcome here
Helping refugees find a welcome and establish a new home in Sutton, including the Community Sponsorship Scheme.

12.15 Inequality is not inevitable
Inequality is bad for everyone and austerity is making it worse – but there is an alternative.

13.00 Climate Change – threat to peace & justice
Action on climate change is essential – now more than ever.

13.45 The plight of Palestinians today
How the rights of ‘the non-jewish communities of Palestine’ are ‘prejudiced’ 100 years after Balfour.

14.30 In defence of the Human Rights Act
The Human Rights Act protects us all and needs our support.

15.15 Stop nuclear proliferation – scrap Trident
Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki –Trident should be scrapped.

16.00 Sutton 4 Sanctuary – Refugees welcome here
Helping refugees find a welcome and establish a new home in Sutton, including the Community Sponsorship Scheme.

All at the Sutton for Peace and Justice stall J04–J05.

Come along and hear about these important issues, have your say and join the debate.

Colloquium – an informal gathering for the exchange of views, from latin ‘to talk together’; a seminar usually led by a different academic or expert speaker at each meeting.

 

Refugee & Migrant Network Sutton AGM

Refugee and Migrant Network Sutton (RMNS) are holding their Annual General Meeting
on Wednesday October 19th 12.00 midday, Trinity Hall, Trinity Church Sutton  SM1 1DZ.

The meeting will feature keynote speaker Shabibi Shah, author of Where do I belong? and Innocent Deception. In 1982 she fled across the mountains of Afghanistan with her three children arriving as a refugee in Croydon and has worked tirelessly for human rights.

RSVP:  olwenstewart@hotmail.com  or olwen@rmns.org.uk