#RefugeesWelcome Rally
On Wednesday 20th October 2021, we joined hundreds of people and other fantastic organisations at Parliament Square in London to resist the #AntiRefugeeBill and to say #RefugeesWelcome!
Here's our favourite selection of photographs which capture the uplifting spirit of solidarity, compassion and togetherness felt on the day. Thank you to all who joined us!
I am speaking at the rally because who can say it better than a person living the experience. The hostile environment has a negative impact on people seeking asylum, we are experiencing destitution, no access to basic needs. The system is already hard, and the government is going to make it even harder with the new Nationality and Borders Bill which is moving closer to becoming law. This bill will make it much harder for people to seek safety in the UK. For women the bill will put them in further danger of exploitation, violence and abuse.
I am speaking today not only as the Director of WRW, an organisation that supports women seeking asylum in UK, to have a voice and rebuild their lives with respect and dignity, but also as a survivor of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. I know how it feels to flee your country in the middle of a war/ genocide and how it feels when you reach a safe country and you are able to rebuild your life!
We must stand up for refugees and people seeking asylum and I’m glad that you have joined us today to challenge this new bill and to shout loudly that refugees should be warmly welcomed.
Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here!
Marchu Girma, CEO of Hibiscus Initiatives started her speech by reading a powerful letter from women who are currently being held in immigration detention. "Every day I cry. I've felt this way in the past - it was when I was abused. I miss freedom. I wish I was completely free."
Please continue to stand with us as we resist the harmful #AntiRefugeeBill which will disproportionately affect women and unfairly punish them for factors outside of their control.
We believe that every woman who crosses borders for her safety deserves a fair hearing and the chance to rebuild her life. We hope you do too.
Stand with us and take action!
- Write to your MP and ask them to stand up for women seeking safety in the UK using this easy and quick template
- Donate to support our work with refugee and asylum-seeking women
