‘Stand with the Refugees’ by Joshua Lane, Toot Hill School

As this planet becomes more and more torn with conflicts and the climate crisis, we are witnessing the worst refugee crisis in history, with over 24 people being forced to flee their homes every minute. These innocent victims tackle dangerous journeys to a country they perceive to be ‘safe’. Yet after treacherous, traumatic experiences in the hope of seeking peace and safety, they are denied the basic human rights of shelter and safety, and turned away by prejudicial, racist leaders around the globe.

A current outrage is the way the British government are handling people who attempt to seek asylum and a better way of life is cruelly deported to Rwanda by the order of our cold-hearted home secretary. Suella Braverman has made her despicable views clear, painting all immigrants as if they are to blame for their misshapen circumstances, yet ironically, the UK is to blame for most of their suffering. Yet she herself is the daughter of two immigrants, but I don’t see her forcing them to pack their bags, is she? Does this country choose to just ignore such hypocrisy? The government’s slogan is ‘stop the boats’, but shouldn’t we really find and fix the problem? Shouldn’t we?

However, they have worked their dark magic on some people, as many claim the crisis to be fake, that immigrants are dangerous, and some even applaud the ‘efforts’ of our government, yet I struggle to see any sort of willingness to put effort into the right attitudes. But if the government’s actions are the right thing to do, why have the supreme court officially stated that the Rwanda agreement is inhumane and abusing of human rights? But of course, Braverman is ignorant, so appealed their verdict without a second to consider that what she has done is a crime, and how she has ruined the lives of millions of people. Does she even know what morals are?

Many across the globe were quick to offer their condolences to the five rich victims of the late ocean gate submarine, yet none of them bat an eye at the thousands of human beings who perish at the hands of a channel crossing, in a boat made for 10 passengers. Not a word is said about fishermen hauling in corpses in the nets, lifeless eyes staring deep into theirs, warning them of the ruthless society we live in. Why is this? The answer is simple, we live in an elitist society where worth is determined by wealth, and if you are poor, you are disposable and worthless.

This country is up to the neck in its immoral decisions, but we can change it. We need to think and act as a collective to discover the problem and provide solutions. It’s going to take a lot, but it starts by asking yourself, ‘what can I do to help?’