WARNING: This post contains content some viewers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Watch above: The image of a three-year-old boy who washed ashore in Turkey is heartbreaking. Global’s Meaghan Craig reports on how Saskatchewan residents can help Syrian refugees.
SASKATOON – They are images that have sparked global outcry including here in Saskatchewan.
Photos of Alan Kurdi, a three-year old boy who washed ashore after he, his brother and mother drowned in Turkish waters after attempting to flee the Syrian war.
The family risked everything for a chance at a better life.
“I know many refugees who have children that age so that touches you very, very deeply but it is the reality for hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of children from refugee families every day,” said Elaine Harder, refugee program coordinator with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
The question now becomes ‘What can we do about it?’
“They can consider sponsorship. I think it’s a manageable, very tangible way of helping one family at a time. They certainly can donate to the organization to help us with projects that we have in the mid-east and I think with we can talk more and encourage our governments to think about non-military interventions.”
Since 2012, MCC has programmed over $31 million in response to the refugee crisis in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
“Canada’s a big country, we have lots of room and there are resources,” added Harder.
“We have needs here but it’s not a matter of foregoing our needs, it’s a matter of opening up our hearts and extending a helping hand to many others in the world that need our assistance.”
Experts agree the challenges in Syria and Iraq aren’t going away any time soon and the tragic image of the boy expedite not only conversation but action.
READ MORE: Canadian churches play key role in sponsoring refugees
“I think that there are some major issues that are going to have to be discussed in Canada related to immigration and refugee policy,” said Joe Garcea, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan.
What will need to be assessed, said experts, is the ratio of immigrants versus refugees coming into Canada. Last year of 165,000 immigrants who were accepted; it’s estimated less than 10 per cent of those were refugees.
Even though, as Garcea points out, in many cases refugees are just as qualified to do various jobs as immigrants.
“I have a feel that we’re moving into an era here where the portions are going to start changing.”
The challenge is to do it in such a way that it is feasible and sustainable.
“We wouldn’t be doing anybody a favour in accepting people if we’re not prepared to support them.”
How quickly this shift can take place in order to make sure we have the capacity to absorb refugees, only time will tell.
“Whether they’re refugees or whether they’re immigrants you have to make that calculation and you have to make sure that you develop and support the system in order to make it work.”
Here’s a complete list of ways you can help.
You can also reach out to MCC by calling 1-306-665-2555.
Comments