‘Governments must act on refugees’ – Ruane
Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has called on the Irish and British governments to do more to help those fleeing the conflict in Syria.
Speaking in the Assembly Ruane said, “The Irish and British governments must do more to assist the refugees fleeing Syria if we are to prevent more tragedies like the thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean.
“As someone who has worked with refugees in Guatemala and El Salvador I have seen the desperate situations that people were in and how it needed a global effort to help resolve some of the problems.
“European governments have a responsibility to respond and assist those fleeing war especially considering some of those European countries actions in the Middle East has led to the current crisis,” she insisted.
“Everyone has been moved by the heartbreaking images of the children who have died trying to reach Europe. In comparison to other European states both Ireland and Britain have been found wanting when opening its doors to the refugees and both now need to act in order to prevent more deaths.
“The language being used by some political leaders regarding this crisis has also been unhelpful describing refugees as migrants, negating the fact that these people would rather live at home in a peaceful setting.
She added, “I am calling on both Government to stand beside the people who are ahead of them on this subject and show compassion by opening its borders and taking many more refugees in.”
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