Our volunteer Allen blogs about why listening to refugee voices is important in the referendum debate.
Blog by Allen Worwood, Social Media Volunteer
We are now in 2014, and the Scottish referendum on independence is now less than 9 months away!
Although the country is steadily becoming more involved in the debate, it could be said that the discussion around independence has consistently focused on the same themes. The economy, the EU, and the currency question seem to be the first topics that come to people’s minds when they weigh up their options or argue for or against independence.
That is why the event being held by Scottish Refugee Council on Friday 17 January 2014 is a breath of fresh air for any #indyref follower, while also being a vital chance for refugees in Scotland to get involved in the debate and have their voices heard.
It is important that refugees play a role in this year’s referendum, as the decision made by Scotland this September will affect them a lot in the years to come as they settle and integrate into Scottish society, regardless of whether they are currently eligible to vote.
Impacting all
As highlighted by Gary Christie, Head of Policy at Scottish Refugee Council, the result of the vote will have a huge impact on the lives of refugees and those seeking asylum: from taxation, health, employment, and education, to international relations and foreign policy – this vote will mean something different for everybody involved.
‘Refugee Voices in the Scottish Referendum Debate’ is a chance for both refugees and those in the asylum process to pose difficult questions to representatives from the Yes Scotland and Better Together campaigns.
As well as getting information on what refugee and asylum policies could look like in an independent Scotland, being able to voice concerns and criticisms of the current UK asylum process to those with power and influence will form a key part of this upcoming meeting.
An issue for lots of refugees and those claiming asylum is the language barrier, which can make it difficult for many to express their political opinions: that is why at this public meeting, Scottish Refugee Council is providing translators for those that need them, which will ensure that everybody there will be able to get their points across.
For anyone who is curious about the future of asylum policies in the UK or in Scotland post-2014, and for those who believe that the UK should change its current approach to asylum and immigration, Scottish Refugee Council’s public meeting next Friday is an event not to be missed.
Please note that Scottish Refugee Council remains impartial in this matter. However we believe that the referendum debate is of utmost importance. If you want to know more, please take a look at our Referendum Report.
