UK government “sub-contracting out its moral responsibility" to refugees, says Morris

UK government “sub-contracting out its moral responsibility” to refugees, says Morris

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Background material: www.asylumrights.net

Commenting on today’s Home Office announcement that it will be pushing for so-called “zones of protection” for refugees – including those fleeing the war in Iraq - Bill Morris, General Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union said:

“The Home Secretary claims he wants a refugee system that is fit for the 21st century. But dumping refugees on other countries, especially ones that are poorer, often less politically stable and in many instances close to conflict zones, is straight out of the moral Dark Ages.

“At this time, when all eyes and minds are trained on the Gulf, the people of this country are entitled to ask why our government feels it has the moral duty to drop bombs on Baghdad yet is absolved of any responsibility to look after those left homeless, destitute or in danger as a result.

“If the intention of this war is to liberate the Iraqi people and not their oil, our governments should be offering them sanctuary while their country is reconstructed. Instead, it is sub-contracting out its moral and international responsibilities and the UNHCR should have no truck with this.”

Mr Morris was referring to plans announced today by the Home Secretary to propose zones of protection are established for refugees. The proposals will be discussed at tomorrow’s EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Greece.

27th March 2003

Source:
htpp://www.tgwu.org.uk