This story depresses me immensly - J. :-( ----------------------------------------- FROM: THE HERALD, 20 November 2000 Violence mars a journey of hope CRAIG WATSON http://www.theherald.co.uk/ ALMOST all child refugees in Scotland have suffered violence, abuse, or hostility since arriving in the country, according to research published today. The report, by Save the Children Scotland (SCS) and the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC), adds that most asylum seekers are also forced to live in extreme poverty. Its publication coincides with the launch of Save the Children's UK- wide Forgotten Children Campaign, which aims to highlight the plight of 20 million youngsters displaced by conflict around the world. SCS and SRC said the report, I Didn't Come Here for Fun, was the first of its kind as it was based on interviews with children aged between seven and 18. They claimed the report "debunks the myth that the majority of refugees and asylum seekers are bogus" as the children told of how they had fled from conflict, war, or persecution related to their ethnic origin. The organisations also called on the Government to allow asylum seeking children protection under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and end the system of food vouchers for refugees. Support services should be improved, anti-racist programmes introduced in schools, and an effective policing strategy promoted, they added. SCS assistant director Sue Fisher said yesterday: "These children are children first and refugees and asylum seekers second. They are children who have already been through far too much by way of war, displacement, suffering, and trauma, and they deserve our welcome and support. "Yet many continue to suffer in other ways, even when they reach the seemingly safe haven of our country. We believe they should have the same rights as other children and, in a country famed for its hospitality, a chance for a happy and safe childhood." SRC chief executive Sally Daghlian said: "Children fleeing persecution and terror in their home countries are now being isolated and discriminated against in the very country that is supposed to be protecting them. "The Scottish Executive needs to take a lead in promoting greater understanding of refugee issues as well as fighting racism and intolerance." Most children interviewed describe the areas they live in Scotland as "not safe". Examples of attacks include stones thrown at a baby and an air rifle attack on a group of refugees. Others say they have suffered broken windows, beatings, abuse, and been chased in the street. The lack of benefits and the need to use vouchers to purchase food contributes to the deprived conditions in which they live. Health problems and a lack of translation facilities are also highlighted. However, many of the children also describe their love of Scotland and appreciation of the kindness they have received from many people. Jane, 13, says: "They took away my daddy, I don't know why, they never told us why. Daddy is not with us today but we pray for his well-being. "When we arrived in London, it was cold and we were upset daddy wasn't with us and we didn't know anyone. After two months, we came to Scotland and we liked it - it was very calming, though we were upset about daddy. "Scotland is nice but, when I feel like going out to play or just for a walk, I can't go since people throw stones at us, swear at us and harass us. We used to live with dignity in our country." However, Natalia, a 14-year-old Russian girl, says: "I am simply crazy about Scotland and life here is good for me - here I feel like a human being." The children interviewed were from Kosovo, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Russia, Georgia, Estonia, and Chile. More than half were refugees from the Kosovan conflict and the time spent in Scotland ranged from six months to 10 years. The majority had lived here for less than two years. More than 3000 children who were alone or separated from their parents arrived in the UK last year. No official figure exists, but it is thought around 380 children are attending school in Scotland as a result of the refugee dispersal programme. It is estimated that around 50% of the world's refugees are children. -Nov 20th ________________________________________________________________________
