We must work together to mobilize the political will and leadership to prevent and end the conflicts that trigger refugee flows. [...] Despite budget constraints everywhere, we must not turn away from those in need. Refugees leave because they have no choice. We must choose to help."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
I'm doubling up on blog entries today because I was reminded that this is World Refugee Day. The theme this year is Refugees have no choice. You do I read recently that the number of refugees crossing borders in 2011 was 800,000 -- about triple the number from the year before. St. Paul's member Joe, who has worked in this field for many moons, tells me that there are approximately 42 million refugees around the globe. People choose to flee their homelands for a host of reasons including hunger, oppression, and ethnic violence. http://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/
Canada has an impressive reputation for and history of welcoming refugees, but as the population of the world grows and the number of refugees rises, getting into this country and many others becomes more difficult.
I must say that the proposed changes to health care benefits for refugees which essentially excludes many seems colossally mean-spirited, especially from a government which spends 40 grand on a fighter jet photo op and excessive amounts on accomodation for travelling cabinet ministers.
What are your thoughts? Is there still "room in the inn" called Canada? I have initiated a conversation with ministerial colleagues about a joint church sponsorship for refugees locally. Is this our business?
ThenI will draw near to you for judgment; I will be swift to bear witness… againstthose who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow and the orphan,against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord ofhosts. Malachi 3:5 (NRSV)
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