Yesterday, I woke up to media reports about a planned speech by the UK Home Secretary on refugee rights that I found shocking. During the day, as more of the speech content trickled in, I found myself talking to others who shared my concerns, from neighbours to friends and colleagues. Today is another day and the news cycle moves on, but it’s still very much on my mind. So here are some thoughts going through my mind.
First, what we’re talking about are people who, through an accident of birth, were born in places they now want to flee. Don’t let political slogans or headlines rob them of their humanity. I’ve had the privilege to talk to many refugees, from children, to their mums, dads and grandparents. None wanted to leave home, and most would go back in a heartbeat if it was safe, but all felt they had no choice.
Second, let’s remember why the Refugee Convention was agreed in the first place. In 1951, in the aftermath of the 2nd World War, global leaders agreed that we must do better. This framework has saved thousands of lives, and it continues to do so. The world has changed since 1951, but there are still plenty of reasons why people flee their homes (and yes, that includes being gay or a woman where this is dangerous, as well as being the ‘wrong’ ethnic group, or the realities of trying to grow up in a conflict zone). Over the past 25 years, I’ve sat in many rooms whilst countries haggled over global agreements. It’s never easy, because everyone has to play their part. Thanks to the climate crisis, there will be more refugees in future. We need global solutions to deal with this reality, not for countries to opt out because it doesn't suit them.
Third, comments from some people yesterday implying that, without change, the UK could become the refugee camp for the world are ridiculous, and frankly insulting to the many countries who are doing far more than their ‘fair share’. From Turkey to Bangladesh or Uganda or Lebanon, many of the most generous ‘hosting’ nations are not rich countries. It’s also insulting given the UK has slashed aid to many host countries, and to tackle the root causes that lead people to flee. Yes, the UK has welcomed Ukrainian refugees, but so have many other nations, and is this really the limit of our compassion?
Some people ask me if the UK can afford to help others, when families here are struggling? My answer is yes: in terms of our total national income, the UK is still one of the richest countries in the world. A core problem is inequality: lots of people have got a lot richer over the past few years, whilst too many struggle. As Save the Children UK, we work to support families in the UK who are struggling, just as we work with those overseas.
I refuse to accept the dystopian view of the future that says we should ditch fundamental rights for the sake of our own survival. Otherwise what's next: the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?
