On World Refugee Day, we reflect on the staggering number of families fleeing war, conflict and extreme poverty. Instead of helping these struggling refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives, we see countries shutting their doors and a growing climate of hatred and violence.
In the United States, under an Orwellian policy of “zero tolerance,” immigrant children are ripped from the arms of their mothers and fathers and placed in detention camps. We have zero tolerance for DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen with her lack of integrity and compassion for immigrant families. We call on her to resign. Sign the petition demanding Nielsen step down as DHS Secretary.
Between October 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018, at least 2,700 children have been split from their parents. 1,995 of them were separated over the last six weeks of that window — April 18 to May 31 — indicating that at present, an average of 45 children are being taken from their parents each day. Migrants who cross the hot southern desert into the U.S. are seeking safety and security from gangs and drug cartels. The UN says the use of detention and family separation runs counter to human rights standards and principles.
The migrant crisis is global. In August, CODEPINK will travel to Greece to support migrants and war refugees living in camps. We will deliver much-needed baby shoes and socks to the Greek island of Lesbos. After fleeing war and conflict in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, over 50,000 refugees in Greece are refused the right of movement in Europe. The situation is dire. UNICEF estimates 1800 unaccompanied minors are living in Greece waiting for shelter. Consider purchasing a new pair of socks or baby shoes for refugees.
Join your fellow CODEPINKers and the swell of engagement globally, that says no to separating children from their parents, on June 30th for a #familiesbelongtogether uprising in Washington, DC or near you. Let’s end war, refugees and family separation for the sake of our children at home and abroad.
For a better world,
Ann, Ariel, Brienne, Jodie, Kelly, Kirsten, Mark, Medea, Nancy, Natasha, Paki, Rita, Sarah, Sophia, and Tighe