Hyslop Welcomes Government £1m Funding for Refugees Support
Linlithgow MSP, Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the Scottish Government’s stance at the Humanitarian Summit last week (4th Sept) announcing a Government Taskforce to be set up to ensure that services in West Lothian and across Scotland are prepared to deal with the arrival of refugees.
The taskforce first met this week and will be chaired by the Minister for External Affairs and International Development, Humza Yousaf.
Commenting after briefing the Scottish Government Cabinet on the issue, Fiona said;
“I welcome the Government’s Taskforce and commitment to help local services cope with any incoming refugees from Syria and elsewhere.
“The initial £1m in Scottish Government funding will ensure that the frontline organisations who will help refugees integrate into Scotland will have the resources they need to carry out their work.
“The images we have seen on television and in newspapers in recent days have touched many of us. It is vital that we act to help as many refugees as we can and not just at a Government level. There is much we can do as individuals and I would urge my constituents to do what they can to offer assistance to those who need our help.”
ENDS
Ways you can help
1. Put your name to a petition
Sign the petition to demand action from the UK government:
• Accept more asylum seekers and increase support for refugee migrants in the UK
2. Attend a vigil
• Edinburgh Sees Syria is holding a candle-lit vigil outside the Scottish Parliament on Saturday 12 September at 2.30PM.
• Glasgow Sees Syria is also holding a vigil in George Square, also on Saturday 12 September at 2.30PM.
Other events will be taking place across the country. Facebook is often the best place to get up to date information.
3. Get involved
There are many national and local initiatives being established. Scotland Supporting Refugees are a group of volunteers raising awareness and campaigning for action. Many cities, towns and villages have set up local groups. Once again Facebook is the best place to find out details of what is going on in your area.
4. Make a donation
Make a financial donation to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that is doing related humanitarian work overseas. These include:
• Save the Children: distributing essential items such as nappies, hygiene kits and food
• Red Cross Europe: providing emergency health services at central train stations
• Migrant Offshore Aid Station: dedicated to preventing migrant deaths at sea
• International Rescue Committee: improving living conditions by setting up camps
• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): providing water, mosquito nets, tents, healthcare
• Refugee Action: advice about claiming asylum, the asylum process, asylum support
• World Vision: providing food, water, shelter, education and social care