Just over 6 months on from the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, we find ourselves once again watching in horror as a humanitarian crisis continues to escalate. Once again, we are reminded of just how quickly people can find themselves fleeing for their safety. And once again, we watch as the UK government fails to act with urgency, flexibility, or compassion.
Whilst Boris Johnson continues to make empty promises of protection and assistance for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, the Government presses on with the cruel Nationality and Borders Bill - a piece of legislation that fundamentally dismantles asylum rights under international law. The Home Secretary’s recent announcement of relaxed visa requirements also fails to go far enough. The rules for those with family members within the UK remain too strict and the process too lengthy to provide the type of immediate relief and support the people of Ukraine need. Furthermore, it’s still unclear how the community sponsorship scheme will work or how long it will take to establish.
We join other British charities in urging our government to protect those fleeing any violence in Ukraine and to follow the UNHCR's call to keep borders open for those that need our help. We also call on the government to commit to an emergency resettlement programme, as an expected 4 million people from Ukraine become refugees.
We are also urging the government to rethink its flawed Nationality and Borders Bill, which would treat people forced to make dangerous journeys to seek safety on our shores as criminals. We must play our part in helping the people of Ukraine seek safety and support, whilst ensuring future protection for others forced to flee their homes.
How Can You Help Now?
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Make a donation to organisations helping in Ukraine
There are national and global organisations distributing resources and assistance directly to local charities and groups in the area. Here are a few you can support:
The Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal is helping provide resources, first aid training, and more to people in Ukraine.
The UNHCR Refugee Agency Emergency Appeal has been set up to help ensure that Ukrainians forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe.
The Disaster Emergency Committee is working to provide food, water, shelter and medical assistance. The UK Government has committed to match fund up to £20 million donated by the public.
British-Ukrainian Aid supports people suffering from the war and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine by aligning UK and Ukrainian efforts.
- Donate to Local Organisations
The best way to help is to make a cash donation which can be allocated directly where funds are most needed. If you do decide to donate physical goods, make sure you read up or contact organisations directly to find out exactly what they need at the moment.
The Halifax Ukrainian Club are keeping a detailed ‘shopping list’ of items on their social media. At the time of writing, donations are to be dropped off at D Mill, Dean Clough between 10am - 3pm. Volunteers to help with packing and sorting are welcome from Mon-Fri, 9:30am - 6pm.
As the government has yet to make a commitment to resettle people from Ukraine, we are not supporting anyone directly affected by the war in Ukraine at this moment. However, we are ready as always to provide our support when the time comes. We have been working hard to offer our help to those fleeing war and persecution in Calderdale for over 50 years, with a community of people seeking asylum and refugees from 57 countries. You can make a one-off or regular donation to help us continue our work with refugees and people seeking asylum by clicking here.
- Join our Together with Refugees action
Together with Refugees are encouraging supporters to collect and assemble signs of support for refugees from their communities and display these as orange hearts on a local landmark in a variety of creative ways. We’ll be gathering at Piece Hall on March 17 at 9am to stand in our own giant orange heart for a drone photo to be released on the national day of action.
We need as many people to join us as possible to make a statement that Calderdale stands Together With Refugees! PLEASE JOIN US. Read more about the event.
- Take a stand against the Nationality and Borders Bill
If passed into law, this Anti-Refugee Bill will make it even harder for Ukrainian refugees and other people seeking asylum to find safety in our borders. More people will be forced to take dangerous journeys, and many will be criminalised due to the routes they have taken.
Recently, the House of Lords rejected two clauses in the Bill which would have allowed for British citizenship to be revoked without notice, and for differential treatment of refugees arriving in the UK. Whilst these are wins, it’s more important than ever that we continue to speak out against the bill as it returns to the Commons.
You can read the latest on the Bill here.
There are a couple of ways you can help us campaign against this bill now:
Refugee Action has launched an ‘Email your MP’ campaign calling for more routes to safety and the removal of Clause 11 from the Nationality & Borders Bill. They’ve developed an easy template for you here - it only takes a second.
Freedom from Torture has launched a petition asking the government to develop a comprehensive humanitarian response. Sign and share it here.
- Build Local Awareness
It’s really important to continue to show solidarity with all refugees. You can do your part to ensure that all people seeking sanctuary in our community are met with compassion and kindness.
If you are an organisation, you can host an Awareness Day to build your knowledge around the issues facing refugees and people seeking asylum. From schools to leisure centres, we can tailor a workshop for you. Contact us to arrange a date.
We also encourage you to join as a Supporter or Member of Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary to help foster a culture of welcome in our borough. It’s free and easy - click here. If you want to learn more, join the upcoming Open Evening.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating war. We reinforce our commitment to support all displaced people arriving in the UK and our community, both by providing assistance locally and by calling for a fairer, kinder system nationally.
Please check back for updates as needs change.
Further reading:
You can read more about the UK’s current immigration concessions for people from Ukraine here.
Read about local efforts to help people in Ukraine in the Halifax Courier.
See the recent protest against the Nationality & Borders Bill in Halifax organised by These Walls Must Fall - Yorkshire Bylines.
Read the joint letter we signed along with 50 charities, NGOs and aid agencies calling on the UK Government to show leadership in supporting the people of Ukraine here.
Read about the letter from over 1000 UK leaders of all faiths urging the PM to rethink the Bill here.