Humanist organisations across Europe as represented by the European Humanist Federation (EHF) have called for a ‘strong and humane’ response from European leaders to the worsening Syrian refugee crisis. Millions of Syrians have been displaced from their homes by ongoing conflict, and European countries have shown varying degrees of willingness to rehome and support fleeing Syrians.
EHF President Pierre Galand said:
‘We are committed to the building of a more humane society through an ethical approach based on Humanism. We believe that refugees and migrants are first and foremost human beings who hold human rights and should be treated as such. Refugees and migrants not only contribute economically and demographically to our societies, they also bring with them new cultures and traditions that contribute to a rich and diverse society.
‘Only a clear separation between religion and politics can accommodate everyone, regardless of religion or convictions. We therefore strongly condemn countries that seek to discriminate on the basis of religion or beliefs.’
A number of countries around the world, including Australia, have suggested that they will prioritise Christian applications for refuge – essentially implementing a religious test for the human right to asylum. The French Prime Minister recently rejected calls from two French mayors to accept only Christian refugees from Syria.
Ahead of an extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 14 September, convened by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the EHF has proposed six actions for EU leaders and council members to undertake, including a migration system built on solidarity to replace the creaking Dublin Regulation, and a policy of making developmental aid conditional on nations’ conflict resolution and human rights records.
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of the British Humanist Association and President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, commented:
‘The Syrian refugee crisis is an international dilemma which demands an international solution, and European nations have a key role to play. Now is not the time for petty point-scoring: our leaders must act with humanity.’
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For further comment or information please contact BHA Director of Campaigns and Public Affairs Pavan Dhaliwal on pavan@humanists.uk or 0207 324 3065.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.