Statement regarding the current refugee situation in Europe and around the Mediterranean from six major Nordic aid & development organisations gathered in Roskilde, August 2015

In Europe, we pride ourselves being leaders when it comes to values like democracy and human rights. As organisations based on Christian values, we believe that we need to act. Now is the time to bring our values into action.

We Europeans have the power to help and our governments must respect their obligations to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

We must help the affected people in Europe, in transit and at their country of origin. Displaced people need to be assisted and supported in accordance with the refugee convention, human rights and applicable international law.

The increasing refugee flow is a result of poverty, conflict and war. Ultimately, it can only be solved by addressing the root causes. Shutting people out will not be the solution.

Europe needs to act together. The Nordic ACT members are committed to continue their work for human rights, peace and dignity for all, and ensure possibilities to stay in one’s home country.

 

Anne-Marie Helland, Kirkens Nødhjelp, Norge
Gunilla Hallonsten, Svenska Kyrkan Internationellt Arbete, Sverige
Bo Forsberg, Diakonia, Sverige
Jouni Hemberg, Kirkon Ulkomaanapu, Finland
Bjarni Gislason, Hjálparstarf kirkjunnar, Island
Birgitte Qvist-Sørensen, Folkekirkens Nødhjælp, Danmark

 

All six humanitarian organisations are part of the ACT Alliance. ACT Alliance is a coalition of more than 140 churches and faith-based organizations working together in over 140 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalized people regardless of their religion, politics, gender, sexual orientation, race or nationality.