March for “Dignity Not Destitution” June 29th
On Saturday 29th June a number of marches and events are planned around England, Wales and Scotland to call for “Dignity Not Destitution” for people seeking asylum as part of Refugee Week.
Sheffield march details are:
- Meet: 11am on Ellesmere Green, at the top of Spital Hill, Sheffield S4
- Arrive: 12.30pm at Sheffield City Hall for rally and speakers
- March: at 1pm to Mary’s Church, Bramall Lane Sheffield S2 4QZ via The Moor.
Our march is part of a national Day of Action, see the Dignity Not Destitution website. Twitter hashtag is #Dignity2013
Why Are We Marching?
ñ We fled persecution, leaving our homes and families seeking peace and safety. But for many of us, our cases were disbelieved and our appeals for safety rejected by the Home Office.
ñ We are kicked out of our accommodation and our food vouchers stopped.
ñ We are not allowed to work
ñ We can’t access education,
ñ We cannot receive benefits.
ñ We cannot go home. We are stuck here like this for years.
ñ We feel alone, depressed, isolated from society
ñ We want to contribute, to be part of society and to pay taxes. We are teachers, electricians, artists, business men, doctors, farmers, students, parents, and friends. We are human. How can a human survive like this? Stop scapegoating us!.
Our supporters have campaigned to get Sheffield City Council to say the government’s policy on forced destitution is wrong. We are pleased to say that in March they voted unanimously to support us, and condemn this policy. Now, we want to help build a strong national campaign. We want to raise awareness and join together to call for an end to these unjust and inhumane laws. This campaign might not make our own lives better but it will help those in the future who come seeking safety.
Organised by SYMAAG South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group. Supported by City of Sanctuary, ASSIST and others.
Other “Dignity Not Destitution” Marches and Events on June 29th
Bradford 4-5pm
City Park Bradford
Locally asylum seekers and supporters are gathering in City Park Bradford (exact spot t.b.c) at 4pm: speakers, singing, banners, petition-signing.
Leeds 11am –1pm
Leeds Town Hall
We will stand with banners & any asylum seekers/refugees that want to
share their experiences or state their demands are warmly invited to
speak.
http://www.leedsdignityforasylumseekers.wordpress.com/
Cardiff
contact http://wssagwales.org.uk/
Glasgow 12:30pm
St ENOCH’S SQUARE, GLASGOW
STAND UP FOR DIGNITY
Stop Destitution! Give us the Right to Work! Housing is a Human Right!
Stand Up for the right to Asylum
JUSTICE, FREEDOM & DIGNITY for ALL!
Rally & Music
Supported by the Glasgow Destitution Network
http://unitycentreglasgow.org/?p=784
Bristol 11am
Malcolm X Centre, St Pauls
Marching to Castle Park, with banners, masks and a giant scapegoat, stopping on the way to talk about education, health, signing at the police station, the right to work and where we go from here in our campaign.
http://asylumseekersinbristol.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/events/159799960872605/
Manchester 11.00 – 2.30 (Procession starts at 12noon)
in the grounds of Manchester Cathedral
