#OPENTHEUK Campaign video launch
SDLP Youth today releases its campaign video for the #OpenTheUK campaign which challenges the UK government to act, and lift the visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens who are seeking refuge in the UK.
Our video outlines our belief that the UK Government must urgently act, and finally put people before borders.
Since the Russian Federation’s invasion commenced, many countries in Europe have acted swiftly to open their borders, and offer refuge to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion and ongoing hostilities. The European community has refused to insist on bureaucratic red tape at a time of crisis, but instead has united to provide sanctuary and stability for those who need it.
However, the UK continues to insist on operating visa requirements, placing a great burden and additional pressure upon Ukrainian citizens who are seeking sanctuary. We are deeply disappointed and ashamed of this response; the UK Government is essentially closing its eyes to the looming humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe and prioritising the bureaucracy of its callous immigration system.
The UK is fast gaining a reputation as a country which closes its borders to people desperately fleeing conflict and persecution, an inhumane approach which we have watched applied to people fleeing from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and many more countries. This is clearly evident in the Nationality and Borders Bill, still progressing through Parliament, which represents an alarming reset of the UK asylum system, as it seeks to introduce a system which would breach international humanitarian and human rights law. The UK is at a crossroads in its treatment of migrants, and must now decide whether it will continue to treat those fleeing hostility with hostility of its own.
This is not a time for an ideological debate on immigration or asylum. Now is a time for action, and for countries to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, providing sanctuary for those who urgently need it. Practical support such as the lifting of visa restrictions and the opening of a safe and legal route for travel alongside a fast-track asylum process is required, otherwise the declarations of support to Ukraine are merely hollow gestures.
We believe that the UK Government must now uphold its promises and its obligations under international law, and commit to providing a safe harbour to Ukrainian citizens who seek refuge. As such, we call upon the UK Government to urgently implement the lifting of visa restrictions and the implementation of a safe and legal route to the UK.
Watch and share our campaign video and stand with #OpenTheUK.
Our members are contacting Government Ministers and MPs in support of the #OpenTheUK campaign. We warmly welcome the support of other organisations in this endeavour.
You can add your support to the #OpenTheUK campaign by signing and sharing our open letter here.