WELCOME TO THE REFUGEE SUPPORT EXPRESS
THIS WEEK:
A.OK IN THE USA
Our US tour is coming to a close, but there’s still time to catch John and Paul on the final leg of our tour!
Remaining tour dates:
14 June – Libertyville
16 June – Atlanta
18 June – Bridgeport
John and Paul kicked off the tour exhibiting at the 1 Journey Festival in Washington and have been travelling through the states delivering talks to many attentive and concerned listeners.
Thank you to everyone who has attended our American talks, and to everyone who joined us as we stand in solidarity with refugees: welcome to the Refugee Support family! If you would like to volunteer in a refugee camp, please get in touch.
KEEPING UP WITH KATSIKAS
It’s been a busy week as always at Katsikas. Our volunteers have been preparing the new café to open in time for the Eid celebrations today; and they’ve done a fabulous job transforming this empty space into one that we hope will bring some normality and a little joy back to many refugees’ lives.
The camp also welcomes another surprise this week, as it celebrates the birth of a new baby girl: Lojean. Little Lojean was born weighing 3kg to her very proud Sudanese family. Dad and sisters we relieved and excited to finally meet her.
She’s been provided with a lovely moses basket by Carry the Future, which we hope helps brings mum and dad some rest and respite, as well as joy. Our best wishes to all of the family for the future.
If you’d like to volunteer in a refugee camp and help refugees, please get in touch with us at info@refugeesupporteu.com today to find out more, and read some of our volunteer stories here.
STAYING INFORMED – WHAT WE’RE READING
We were saddened this week to learn that Italy and Malta rejected a ship of 629 refugees last week, in favour of a more hardline immigration policy. The ship included 123 unaccompanied children and seven pregnant women.
We were, however, relieved to learn that Spain accepted the ship, granting it permission to dock and offering its passengers refuge.
Gracias, a nuestros amigos.
Spain to accept disputed migrant ship Aquarius
In other news, sixty refugees have been confirmed dead after an overloaded boat sank off Tunisia last week. Twelve are missing, and the death toll expected to rise over 100.
At least 60 dead after Tunisian migrant ship sinks: IOM
Tunisia is used by many human traffickers as a stop off point when smuggling migrants to Europe, as Libya has tightened up its coastguard controls—resulting in many refugees taking dangerous journeys to find refuge.
It’s devastating that so many feel forced to take these dangerous, alternative options. ‘‘People should be able to find protection and travel in a legal, safe way,” says UNHCR spokesman William Spindler. ‘‘Countries must offer refugees ‘legal pathways’ including resettlement, family reunification and student visas.’’
We couldn’t agree more.
DANCE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
To celebrate their anniversary on 22 June, our partners Martin Searle Solicitors are throwing a party in Brighton to raise money for refugees.
Tickets cost £10, or can be purchased for a donation of your choice. Tickets include music, food and a free glass of cava or prosecco upon arrive.
Whether you’re a volunteer, a person of business, or just somebody who just wants to help refugees and enjoy a good party, join them to celebrate and make a difference.
Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you next time.
Please contact us today at info@refugeesupporteu.com if you would like to volunteer in a refugee camp, or just want to get in touch.
Refugee Support
