A racist offensive is sweeping Europe, with governments and the right-wing media using migrants, refugees and Muslims as scapegoats for an economic crisis and wars they did not create.
The recent demolition of the refugee camp in Calais is just the latest example of a grotesque society that demonizes the victims of war and persecution. Despite this, thousands of people including around three hundred unaccompanied minors are stranded in Calais. Some of these children have been faced with the trauma of seeing their temporary homes destroyed – by fire or demolition.
Volunteers in Calais report that there are a number of unaccompanied children without access to shelter, regular food and water as a result of aid agencies being prevented from carrying out distributions in the camp.
It is unacceptable that children are being put at risk by the destruction of the camp.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd should act to safeguard the children evicted from the camp by bringing them safely to Britain under the Dubs Amendment; the French government should halt the demolition of the camp and allow aid agencies to distribute humanitarian aid.
The racist tide will only be driven back by anti- racists standing up and confronting it. From Germany to Greece to the USA, people who want a society free from racism are saying no more. People are taking to the streets in large numbers to oppose racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and to say migrants and refugees are welcome here.
This is why Stand up to Racism fully supports the STUC St Andrew’s Day Anti-Racism March and Rally. Trade unionists, students, people of all faiths and none, migrants, musicians, refugees, pensioners and parents, will march to make a defiant stand against racism.
Talat Ahmed
Stand up to Racism, Scotland
Stand up to Racism, Scotland
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