NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE
The Celtic League has written to Chief Minister of the Isle of Man urging the government to do what it can to assist in the current humanitarian crisis caused by the influx of migrants to Europe from war zones in the Near East and Africa.
The League (which is an ECOSOC NGO accredited by the UN) was one of a number of NGOs which lobbied successfully in December of last year to have the EU reverse a decision to withdraw search and rescue cover from the Central Mediterranean Sea. However dramatic and heartbreaking footage of drowned migrants, including very young children, in the Eastern Mediterranean indicate that SAR problems persist and may even be worse in that area. (links):
https://www.celticleague.net/news/imo-queried-on-members-obligations/
https://www.celticleague.net/news/imo-say-all-mediterranean-states-have-sar-obligations/
https://www.celticleague.net/news/migrants-league-one-of-the-few-ngos-to-lobby-to-avert-this-tragedy/
https://www.celticleague.net/news/irish-navy-deploy-second-vessel-for-migrant-rescue/
Meanwhile a very real humanitarian crisis is emerging across Europe for migrants who reach the safety of EU States. The situation is probably greater than anything the continent has faced since World War 2.
It is important communities, no matter how small, all play a role in trying to meet the needs of these desperate people fleeing conflict
“The Chief Minister
Allan Bell MHK
Chief Minister Office
Government Buildings
Douglas
Isle of Man
3rd September 2015
Dear Chief Minister,
No one can have failed to be moved by the heartrending pictures which have emerged of dead children (refugees) lying on beaches in Turkey having failed in an attempt to cross to Greece (EU).
There is undoubtedly a humanitarian crisis unfolding the like of which the world and Europe has not experienced since World War Two. The immediate reaction of most good people is to start aid initiatives or give money but what the vast flood of people coming in to Europe need is to be welcomed and accommodated.
The Isle of Man has no control over immigration however we are in a position to advise the UK government that should they bend their current strict policy towards accommodating genuine refugees then the Island will do its bit to help.
I know we have very real difficulties as a community ourselves but compared to the suffering currently being experienced by these refugees are troubles are as nothing.
If small countries/communities extend a welcoming hand it will also be a signal to other larger countries that they should do their bit.
I do hope your government will give real thought to how best the Isle of Man can assist both financially and physically.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Moffatt
Director of Information
Celtic League”
The League will also be writing the Governments and devolved Assemblies in the other Celtic countries over the next few days urging support for the migrants.
As indicated in the linked article above Ireland already has a Naval Service vessel deployed and we will be asking if other resources specifically targeted at the Eastern Mediterranean could be added.
BERNARD MOFFATT
Issued by the Celtic News
03/09/15
THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE
The Celtic League was established in 1961and has branches in the six Celtic Countries. It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues
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