Action for refugee reception

Geert Wilders came to Rotterdam that day to fly against the arrival of an asylum seekers“ centre (azc) in Beverwaard. DWARS Rotterdam-Rijnmond organised a welcome action at the same time. They handed out hearts with flyers for a humane asylum policy. Chairman Lyle Muns: ”Wilders claims that everyone is against asylum seekers. We show with this action that this is not true. Many Rotterdammers do want to give war refugees a safe home."

DWARS believes it is important to put reception in perspective. For instance, the youngsters point out that many small Dutch municipalities have already made great efforts. “A city like Rotterdam, with over 600,000 inhabitants can accommodate 600 asylum seekers well. It too should do its bit,” Muns informed.

Nevertheless, the youth organisation says it is happy to listen. “Local residents have many questions: will I have to wait longer for social housing? Will gay couples soon be less safe on the streets? Will the refugees all learn Dutch? Left-wing politics in particular must and can answer these questions without putting war refugees on the streets. Think earlier integration and more social housing, for example,” Muns concludes.