For World Refugee Day (20 June), organisations are raising awareness for all people fleeing war, violence and persecution worldwide by rolling out a 70 m² carpet on a busy square in Leuven.
On the Martelarenplein next to Leuven train station, organisations called on people to "choose solidarity" with refugees on Thursday. During the action, an impressive 70 m² carpet was rolled out and activists handed out stickers to passers-by.
"It is time to defend our core values of humanity and solidarity," Tine Claus, Director of Refugee Work Flanders, said in a press release. "Our campaign is a response to increasing polarisation and the threat of stricter measures against people on the run."
Credit: Belga/Ine Gillis
The director of Amnesty International Wies De Graeve added that human rights are "universal, for everyone, always and everywhere" and called on the future government "not to compromise at the expense of these fundamental values. The fact that every human being should be treated freely, equally and with dignity is non-negotiable."
The increase in hostility and exclusion towards refugees, migrants and other minorities is of great concern to both organisations. "Hate and discrimination should never be tolerated, condoned or normalised. This growing hostility undermines the core values of solidarity and humanity on which our society is built."
Additionally, Refugee Work Flanders and Amnesty International emphasised the crucial role of citizens and local authorities in supporting refugees.
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"In recent years, citizens have taken their responsibility where the government has not. Their initiatives – from shelter to integration projects – are a source of inspiration for the new government," said Claus, adding that local initiatives can provide a powerful counterbalance to negative framing.
With this carpet, the organisations are calling for their message to be widely spread by ordering free flags and stickers via the 'Choose solidarity' campaign. "By uniting and sending a clear signal, we show that we do not agree with a society in which fear and division prevail, but do opt for a society full of solidarity and community."
