Dundee's SNP Council administration is calling on all political leaders in the City, faith leaders and community groups to add their name to an open letter, which calls on the UK Government to immediately halt the expulsion of asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The letter was penned by equalities spokesperson and newly elected Councillor Nadia El- Nakla and signed by Council Leader John Alexander on behalf of the SNP administration.
It expresses grave concerns that the UK Government is determined to continue this " inhumane and shocking policy " and calls for compassion to be at the heart of future immigration legislation.
Cllr Nadia El-Nakla states “This letter is a symbol of solidarity with the refugee community and a beacon of light upon a grave injustice against some of the most vulnerable people in the World.
“When we see injustice we must speak out and the protection of human rights is a duty upon us all, one that stretches across all political boundaries”.
And she adds: "Expelling our asylum seekers to a country with such a track record on human rights sends a dreadful message across the globe; that the UK is willing to subject our vulnerable and traumatised asylum seekers to cruelty and violence.
"We reject this abhorrent policy categorically. More so, this comes against the background of other cruelties such as Windrush, defining the last decade’s hostile environment’ that has increased hostility and racism at institutional levels.
"This is not in our name, and it never will be."
John Alexander said: “Dundee has always been a compassionate and outward looking city. This damaging and inhumane policy does not reflect our city’s values and we must add our voice to the growing international condemnation.
“We hope that across the political spectrum, Dundee will stand united against this abhorrent policy.
“This is an opportunity to send a unified message to the UK Government that Dundee is a City of compassion and kindness, where we utterly reject their draconian and inhumane policy.
- To add your organisations name/community group to the letter please contact- nadia.el-nakla@dundeecity.gov.uk
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