We need to help refugees
Media reports of millions of Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country have shocked people around the world. The human stories of children traumatised and families broken apart as they undertake dangerous journeys to safety have been touching. Brutal conflict in the Middle East has increased the number of people fleeing their homes to over 15 million people. The international community needs to respond.
All countries can offer a safe haven. Lebanon has taken 1.1 million refugees in a country of 4.4 million. Germany is offering to take 800,000 refugees from Syria. By contrast, New Zealand takes a UN quota of 750 refugees. United Nations figures show we are 90th in the world in the total number of refugees we host per person. Even worse, if it is ranked by relative wealth, New Zealand is 116th in the world. We can do far better. The Green Party is calling for a substantial increase in the annual refugee quota, not just a one-time increase, and has tabled a Bill in Parliament that is supported by all political parties except National.
For years, the Prime Minister has ignored the calls for more refugee places, and has paid far more attention to helping wealthy migrants. Settlement budgets for refugees have been squeezed, the services have been disrupted by reorganisations, and even the small annual quota of 750 has often not been filled. Now, in the face of public outrage, the Prime Minister has agrees a small annual increase of 200 refugees from Syria for the next three years. But it is not enough to step up to New Zealand’s international responsibilities and does not raise the refugee quota on an ongoing basis.
This continues a pattern on child poverty, overseas aid, climate change, violence against women and other issues, as well as refugees. This government’s priorities are to help big business and to do as little as possible to help people in need. Then when public gets upset on a social issue, the Prime Minister announces a small measure that won’t fix the problem, and gives assurances to the public.
The Green Party offers a different approach. Our policies prioritise a fair and safe society, with respect for nature and support for a smart economy that is able to support good living standards for all. We should invite more refugees, ensure they have enough support to recover from the trauma they have experienced, and help them contribute to building a tolerant and inclusive New Zealand society.
Barry Coates is on the Green Party list just outside Parliament. He is the former Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand. www.greens.org.nz
Media reports of millions of Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country have shocked people around the world. The human stories of children traumatised and families broken apart as they undertake dangerous journeys to safety have been touching. Brutal conflict in the Middle East has increased...
Media reports of millions of Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country have shocked people around the world. The human stories of children traumatised and families broken apart as they undertake dangerous journeys to safety have been touching. Brutal conflict in the Middle East has increased the number of people fleeing their homes to over 15 million people. The international community needs to respond.
All countries can offer a safe haven. Lebanon has taken 1.1 million refugees in a country of 4.4 million. Germany is offering to take 800,000 refugees from Syria. By contrast, New Zealand takes a UN quota of 750 refugees. United Nations figures show we are 90th in the world in the total number of refugees we host per person. Even worse, if it is ranked by relative wealth, New Zealand is 116th in the world. We can do far better. The Green Party is calling for a substantial increase in the annual refugee quota, not just a one-time increase, and has tabled a Bill in Parliament that is supported by all political parties except National.
For years, the Prime Minister has ignored the calls for more refugee places, and has paid far more attention to helping wealthy migrants. Settlement budgets for refugees have been squeezed, the services have been disrupted by reorganisations, and even the small annual quota of 750 has often not been filled. Now, in the face of public outrage, the Prime Minister has agrees a small annual increase of 200 refugees from Syria for the next three years. But it is not enough to step up to New Zealand’s international responsibilities and does not raise the refugee quota on an ongoing basis.
This continues a pattern on child poverty, overseas aid, climate change, violence against women and other issues, as well as refugees. This government’s priorities are to help big business and to do as little as possible to help people in need. Then when public gets upset on a social issue, the Prime Minister announces a small measure that won’t fix the problem, and gives assurances to the public.
The Green Party offers a different approach. Our policies prioritise a fair and safe society, with respect for nature and support for a smart economy that is able to support good living standards for all. We should invite more refugees, ensure they have enough support to recover from the trauma they have experienced, and help them contribute to building a tolerant and inclusive New Zealand society.
Barry Coates is on the Green Party list just outside Parliament. He is the former Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand. www.greens.org.nz
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