Press release: Wales Green Party condemns refugee wristbands in Cardiff
In response to the recent disclosure that refugees in Cardiff say they were forced to wear bands at all times in accommodation provided by Home Office contractor.
Amelia Womack, Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales said:
"I'm shocked to hear this is happening in Cardiff, so close to where I live. It's hard to find words to describe how deeply thoughtless this policy is, and how little respect and compassion it shows for people fleeing persecution overseas.
"Wales has a proud tradition of offering food and shelter to those in need. Refugees are people, no less than you or I. I am disgusted that public money is being handed to private companies who don't recognise that making refugees wear a red wristband they can't remove will make them an obvious target for cowardly racist bullying and abuse."
Hannah Pudner, Deputy Leader for Wales Green Party said
"Bullying starts at the top. Is it any surprise, given the poisonous rhetoric that comes out of the Home Secretary's mouth, that companies think they can get away with having so little regard to the people they are being paid to care for?
"The Wales Green Party wants Wales to be a country that keeps a welcome in the hillside for those fleeing persecution. I believe those are true Welsh values, and I believe most people in Cardiff will be as ashamed as I am to hear this has been happening in our city."
Notes:
- Amelia Womack is Wales Green Party prospective lead candidate South Wales Central list and Cardiff Central, and Deputy Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. Cardiff based.
- Hannah Pudner is Deputy Leader of Wales Green Party and their prospective candidate for Cardiff West Cardiff based.
- Both are available for interviews.
- This statement is in response to a story lead by the Guardian 24/01/16 http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/jan/24/asylum-seekers-made-to-wear-coloured-wristbands-cardiff