Campaign goes on for humanity in asylum

Pat Rowland

Congress once more condemned the often appalling treatment of asylum seekers in the UK and pledged to act to improve the public perception of asylum seekers and to look at renaming asylum to sanctuary as recommended by the Independent Asylum Commission.

It will hold a 'Sanctuary Summit' to spearhead the campaign, called for by Kilmarnock and Louden TUC and moved by Arthur West of UNISON.

An emergency motion from the University and College Union highlighted recent examples of the 'harsh and inhumane treatments' which many asylum seekers experience including the deaths of a family of three asylum seekers in Glasgow recently.

Congress will campaign vigorously for an asylum and immigration system which welcomes asylum seekers and treats them with dignity.

Supporting the motion Pat Rowland told Congress of the work done by UNISON Scotland to challenge the treatment of asylum seeker children and to support our members to practice ethically and promote the rights, welfare and protection of these children. (see here)

"Who could fail to be moved by the contribution of the young Shawlands Academy pupil yesterday when she described her experiences of the humiliating and frightening process which her family endured?" asked Pat.

"As she said, why would anyone leave their own country to come here if they were not in danger if they were to return home".

Pat urged Congress, "Let's work to preserve the dignity of our asylum seeker visitors and treat them like human beings".

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