In case you haven’t noticed, the world is currently facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. That’s pretty shit since WW2 was the worst. I wasn’t there personally, but I can imagine. And if you were around in 1945 and you’re still around now, I am very sorry you have to keep experiencing humanitarian crises. When are we going to get our shit together?
An unprecedented number of people are fleeing the Middle East, thanks to wars instigated, supported or increasingly inflamed by Western nations. The most notable and heartbreaking of these cases being the ongoing tragedy unfolding in Syria. There are currently 4 million refugees fleeing the war in Syria and the vast majority of them are women and children.
We should be ashamed at those turning their backs on desperate people. Even more alarming is the fact that back turning has become entrenched in government policy towards asylum seekers over the last decade.
But not all hope is lost. There are things we can all do right now which can make an impact. By acting now, we can loudly reject the apathy and racism that drives our politicians towards inaction and deliberate, abject cruelty.
There are positive stories coming out of the sadness and there are real ways you can take direct action now. We’ve already covered why direct, collective action can make a difference for refugees. Take it one step further and find more meaningful and tangible ways to get involved.
We’ve compiled a guide for you below to help you pick the type of action that’s right for you.
If you want to directly help the refugees in Europe
Huge numbers of refugees are arriving on Kos every week. It’s one of the main entry points to Europe for so many refugees fleeing Syria. Since Greece is itself suffering from economic collapse, it desperately needs assistance to deal with this sudden influx.
You can send donations to a local charity group on Kos island in Greece called Kos Kindness.
Jenny Yancey who is based in Greece, wrote:
“Kos Kindness is a local citizen group on the isle of Kos made up of primarily women who are focusing their efforts on helping to collect and buy food, diapers and other things for the babies & children who are making it to shore on Kos with their families. I have been in touch with the organization and have spoken with them directly by phone. They have a fundraising page where you can send donations of any currency. You can go to their FB page here at: Kos Kindness.”
Donate to Migrant Offshore Aid Station – this charity runs independent rescue boats to save refugees at sea.
Médecins Sans Frontières (or you might know them as Doctors Without Borders) is an international aid group that has rescued 11,482 people at risk of drowning through its search and rescue operations. They also provide direct medical services to refugees across the Mediterranean. You can also follow their poignant and powerful twitter account, which we imagine to be floating along the sea as they rescue people (don’t ruin the dreams we have).
Unicef is also acting swiftly in the wake of the recent tragedy, posting this photo with a strong and heartfelt call to action. They are specifically focusing on the Syrian crisis. Donate to their appeal here.
Sign this petition asking European leaders to “increase the number of refugees to be resettled and relocated across Europe, and replace the restrictive Dublin regulations with a strong EU-wide asylum policy that ensures safe and legal routes for refugees, prioritises family reunifications, and establishes a fair and binding system to receive, assist and host those seeking refuge in Europe.”
If you want to directly help the refugees and asylum seekers in detention in Australia
- Flood the government with letters expressing disgust at the mandatory detention policy in Australia which creates conditions so horrific, unacceptable and inhumane, in the hopes of deterring other asylum seekers from coming to Australia.
- Get involved in GetUp’s campaign to shut down inhumane detention centres in Manus and Nauru. Read this excellent profile in The Guardian on the refugees who fled torture, were recognised as legitimate refugees, only to end up trapped indefinitely on Manus island.
- Become a pen pal to a child in detention. This compassionate idea was inspired by the fact that children are still being detained despite public outcry and international condemnation. Do your bit in lifting up the spirits of the children by signing up to be a pen pal. The organisation also helps raise awareness of their plight. Before you send your letter, read the handy guide explaining the best way to do it and things you need to keep in mind (legal stuff).
If you want to help the refugees settle into life in Australia
Help Asylum Seekers by opting to eat from the Food Justice Truck. The Food Justice Truck is an award-winning, world first, mobile fresh food market initiative by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) that enhances food security for asylum seekers by offering locally sourced produce like fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes, tea and bread at a 75% discount to people seeking asylum. This is especially important since thousands of asylum seekers are living in our community on as little as $3 a day. It’s even more imperative to help since these asylum seekers are not allowed to work while their refugees claims are being processed.
Speaking of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), they’re an incredible and tireless organisation and they definitely need all the support they can get here in Australia. You can donate money, give time and become a volunteer, give goods, stay informed or partner up with them. All options are outlined here in this handy guide:
The “Airbnb for refugees” which started up in Germany became so popular it overwhelmed the small company with so many offers to help and get involved. But did you know there is actually one being started up here in Australia called Enough Room? Enough Room is an initiative to help connect asylum seekers in need of housing with people in the community offering spare bedrooms, share houses, granny flats and the like – entirely free of charge. These guys are in a pilot phase and supported by House of Welcome who also do excellent things.
Mission of Hope: a smaller organisation who have dedicated their time over the past few years to providing food, legal services and social activities for refugees both based in detention and centres and in the community on bridging visas. Chuck these legends a “like” on their Facebook page to find out how you can get involved.
The Welcome Dinner Project: these guys understand the value of a delicious meal shared with friends. They aim to “connect new migrants with Australian residents around the dinner table”. We all live in close proximity to diverse cultures but rarely have opportunities to connect with new people. This way you get to show new migrants to the country how welcoming, tolerant and accepting Australians really are.
If you need to know what awesome things other people have done to warm your cold, cold heart
The Bayern Munich German football club donated $1.11m euros to the refugee crisis, saying it is their “social responsibility” to support and accompany “suffering children” in Germany.
On the topic of football, German football fans hoist giant signs that say “refugees welcome”.
Heartwarming welcome to refugees from Germany's football fans. Theresa May & David Cameron should pay attention. pic.twitter.com/8Ts9COCOMm
— Sadiq Khan MP (@SadiqKhan) August 31, 2015
Speaking of welcoming refugees, one Australian artist started a movement to let the world know that despite our intolerant government, Australia and most Australians still support and welcomes refugees to our nation. It’s called “Real Australians Say Welcome” and you can read more about it here.
You can also appreciate this appropriate and true appropriation.
Germans and Austrians greeted arriving refugees with a hero’s welcome after their arduous journeys crossing the border. They were filled with cheers, applause and welcome signs and were handing out food, water and blankets and even lollies because they are the sweetest ever.
And finally, if you’re up for the mission, why not go to Europe and volunteer directly like this young legend? Or simply watch the clip and feel inspired.
No matter how you choose to get involved, The Vocal is just proud you made it this far at all. Let us know if there are more organisations, activities or links you’d like us to include in this guide by hitting the action button below.
