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Share responsibility, don't shift or shirk it
June 19, 2003 12:00 AM
EU leaders at their summit meeting tomorrow must build a common European asylum system based on sharing responsibility for refugees.
Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, attending a vigil outside the Home Office to mark World Refugee Day, said:
"We are also protesting against UK-inspired ideas to shift responsibility for Europe's asylum seekers onto third world or EU fringe countries."
Baroness Ludford, who is justice spokeswoman for the European Liberal Democrat group in the European Parliament, added:
"Fine rhetoric about the EU as a beacon of freedom and human rights rings hollow if leaders just build up the walls of fortress Europe and shirk their duties under international law."
"It is ironic that grumbles about the 'refugee burden' coincide with employer complaints of lack of skilled workers. Allow them to work, and they become a bonus, not a burden."
The vigil takes place today, 19th June, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm at the Home Office, Queen Anne's Gate.
The vigil is jointly organised by Speak Out Against Racism - Defend Asylum seekers campaign, Asylum Rights Campaign, and Student Action for Refugees. It is supported by UNISON, NUS, the Afghan Refugees Support Committee, International Federation of Iraqi Refugees, International Federation of Iranian Refugees and many others.
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