Swansea’s campaign to welcome 20 Syrian refugee families has gained huge momentum over recent weeks. This Saturday, representatives from diverse communities will show their support for Syrian refugees fleeing war. The rally will take place on Saturday 19th September, Castle Square, Swansea Centre at 1.30 pm. The rally follows more than three months lobbying by the Swansea Citizens Group and the Group leader Dr Nada Najar who is originally from Syria, has herself been affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
The Swansea Citizens Group works across political parties and organisations for the common good of this country and for humanitarian causes. The rally will welcome speakers including Pippa Bartolotti, Wales Green Party; Peter Black AM, Liberal Democrat; Edwina Hart AM, Labour; Bethan Jenkins AM, Plaid Cymru; and Christine Richard, deputy leader of Swansea Council.
Pippa Bartolotti said: “When I stayed in Syria in 2010 it was a thriving self-sufficient country of well educated people and a huge middle class. No-one wanted to leave then. Now, men, women and children, the disabled, the rich, and the poor are leaving in their hundreds of thousands. These are refugees from the most savage of civil wars. In Wales we can offer safety, security and kindness. Supporting Nada’s campaign to have 20 Syrian families brought to Swansea may look like a tiny gesture, but for those 20 families it will mean everything. I urge Local Authorities across Wales to open their arms to those in their greatest hour of need.”
The Green Party are helping to spread the campaign across Wales. Other local organisations supporting the event including 38 degrees, Regional Equality council, Unity and Diversity Asylum Seekers support Groups, Oxfam, Global Justice, Swansea City of Sanctuary, Stand Up to Racism amongst others.
This rally is a reaction to the central government response to the humanitarian crisis of the Syrian refugees. The conflicts in Syria have created an unprecedented refugee crisis in the Middle East. There are now more than 4 million refugees from Syria – greater than the total population of Wales!
Swansea has been a designated ‘City of Sanctuary’ since 2010, with 170 organisations including the Local Authority and ABMU Health Board signed up to ensure that Swansea is a welcoming place for people fleeing persecution and war.