UK activists use lifejackets to lament refugees' plight

Published: 19 Sep 2016 - 04:17 pm | Last Updated: 16 Nov 2021 - 03:42 pm

2,500 lifejackets, worn by refugees during crossings from Turkey to the Greek island of Chios, are displayed on Parliament Square, opposite the Houses of Parliament, in central London, on September 19, 2016, during a photocall to highlight the number of refugees that have died trying to reach Europe since 2015. AFP / Daniel Leal-Olivas

LONDON: As world leaders gather in New York for the first UN Migration Summit, humanitarian organizations in London laid out 2,500 lifejackets in Parliament Square on Monday to highlight the plight of refugees.
The "lifejacket graveyard" display includes 625 lifejackets that were used by children who fled unsafe countries to venture the dangerous journey to Europe. The display is aimed to "remind the leaders of the risks families have taken to reach safety," organizers said in a statement.
Sanj Srikanthan, director of humanitarian policy and practice at International Rescue Committee, told Anadolu Agency that the world cannot stand by as so many people are forced to become refugees.
"What we are trying to do with 2,500 lifejackets is just show snapshots of number who have fled violence, persecution, and conflict to get to Europe, many of whom come to Europe through Turkey."
Srikanthan said that Turkey has been an exceptional leader in hosting millions of refugees and that other should follow its example.
"[What] we are calling for this week, when UN world leaders meet, is for other countries to follow the example of Turkey and resettle the most venerable refugees and provide them safety," he stated.
The UNHCR refugee agency, World Vision, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and International Rescue Committee are among the groups involved in the project.
Ahmed al-Rashid, a 26-year-old refugee from Aleppo who came to London a year ago, was also at Parliament Square on Monday. Ahmed was among those who had to cross the sea to reach Europe for safety.
"At a certain point I had to put on one of these lifejackets," Ahmed said, adding, "It was a very dangerous journey."
"Over 65 million people are being forced out of their homes, and the majority are taking refuge in developing countries. Last year Europe had one million and made a big fuss about the refugee crisis. This crisis needs a global response," Ahmed added.
According to UNHCR records, between January 2015 and August 2016, an estimated 6,940 people drowned or went missing while trying to reach Europe.