Appeal from Soetwater refugee camp in Cape Town
posted by megan | 11.06.2008 17:11
After their hunger strike was called off yesterday afternoon, the Soetwater Refugee Leadership Committee (RLC) met this morning and both the lower and upper camps have agreed to work together to end all intimidation in the Soetwater camp. They want all volunteers to be allowed back into the camp in order to restore camp stability. They would like to make it clear that they speak with one united voice when they call on the government to open negotiations with their elected body, in order to swiftly find a solution to the Soetwater crisis.
Press Release Pastor Alain speaks
Posted: 10 Jun 2008 09:15 AM CDT
http://emuc.ilocals.info/
Pastor Alain Mwamba, leader of the RLC, has issued the following statement:
Dear compatriots, brothers and sisters,
We have tried through the media to express our fears in order to get assistance and help from the United Nations, which has competence to deal with such events. We have stretched out our hands towards all NGO’s, as well as to the government.
But our cries don’t seem to be listened to. We have described the lack of dialogue between us and the government. But the latter doesn’t appear, to us, to be interested in our concern for dialogue.
The past week-end has been characterised by a hunger-strike, due to the intransigence of members of the government at their meeting with Soetwater leaders. All problems in the society have always received an answer through dialogue. But dialogue itself needs to be prepared, once one is engaged in its process. It is advisable not to perform actions that could hinder the process, like it has been the case last evening, after 8 pm.
While the refugees of Soetwater were taking rest, already starving from Saturday, a contingent of approximately 50 policemen, armed to the teeth, entered the camp, creating panic, followed by 4 long buses. They went from tent to tent, asking our women and children to get into the buses for an unknown destination. Under which regulation is such an arbitrary separation of family allowed? Why did the police not come during the day? Why did they not inform the on site leader? One of the Premier’s staff had spoken with him during the day.
Those actions terrify us and drive us into more insecurity. We are like orphans with no protection. Why scare us more with weapons?
Dear brothers and sisters, I, as a recognised man of God, appeal to all religious organisations, to stand up, reject and oppose all anti-values, whatever their source is. I appeal to all people, not only to pray, but act, to save 3800 refugees in this camp. Dear brothers and sisters, what is affecting us today, can affect you tomorrow. While in suffering, man is entitled to help, even from those of different opinions. Our human dignity is downtrodden. What have we done? We are simply victims of xenophobia, and now oppressed by the police bearing arms. Once more, for those who have not understood: the refugee is seeking for land where he and his belongings are safe and secure. No more, no less.
What has happened in this country during the past month is complex and has never happened before in the world. This is why we need all sectors of the population in the world to intervene. Information has been distorted, saying: “we are preventing our children and women from eating.” If that was true, after 3 days, our children would not be able to play and dance, as you can see.
Let us stand up with faith in God, our only judge.
We will be victorious.
Nevertheless we are continuously thanking the sons and daughters of this country, who are constantly assisting us from near and far. May God bless you.
Pastor Alain Mwamba
DRC leader
RLC leader on Site
Soetwater 10/06/2008
Posted: 10 Jun 2008 09:15 AM CDT
http://emuc.ilocals.info/ Pastor Alain Mwamba, leader of the RLC, has issued the following statement:
Dear compatriots, brothers and sisters,
We have tried through the media to express our fears in order to get assistance and help from the United Nations, which has competence to deal with such events. We have stretched out our hands towards all NGO’s, as well as to the government.
But our cries don’t seem to be listened to. We have described the lack of dialogue between us and the government. But the latter doesn’t appear, to us, to be interested in our concern for dialogue.
The past week-end has been characterised by a hunger-strike, due to the intransigence of members of the government at their meeting with Soetwater leaders. All problems in the society have always received an answer through dialogue. But dialogue itself needs to be prepared, once one is engaged in its process. It is advisable not to perform actions that could hinder the process, like it has been the case last evening, after 8 pm.
While the refugees of Soetwater were taking rest, already starving from Saturday, a contingent of approximately 50 policemen, armed to the teeth, entered the camp, creating panic, followed by 4 long buses. They went from tent to tent, asking our women and children to get into the buses for an unknown destination. Under which regulation is such an arbitrary separation of family allowed? Why did the police not come during the day? Why did they not inform the on site leader? One of the Premier’s staff had spoken with him during the day.
Those actions terrify us and drive us into more insecurity. We are like orphans with no protection. Why scare us more with weapons?
Dear brothers and sisters, I, as a recognised man of God, appeal to all religious organisations, to stand up, reject and oppose all anti-values, whatever their source is. I appeal to all people, not only to pray, but act, to save 3800 refugees in this camp. Dear brothers and sisters, what is affecting us today, can affect you tomorrow. While in suffering, man is entitled to help, even from those of different opinions. Our human dignity is downtrodden. What have we done? We are simply victims of xenophobia, and now oppressed by the police bearing arms. Once more, for those who have not understood: the refugee is seeking for land where he and his belongings are safe and secure. No more, no less.
What has happened in this country during the past month is complex and has never happened before in the world. This is why we need all sectors of the population in the world to intervene. Information has been distorted, saying: “we are preventing our children and women from eating.” If that was true, after 3 days, our children would not be able to play and dance, as you can see.
Let us stand up with faith in God, our only judge.
We will be victorious.
Nevertheless we are continuously thanking the sons and daughters of this country, who are constantly assisting us from near and far. May God bless you.
Pastor Alain Mwamba
DRC leader
RLC leader on Site
Soetwater 10/06/2008
posted by megan