Letter: Migrants are human beings

Further to Bishop Pat Lynch's recent welcome statement, which mentions the good work being done in Calais and the UK, Ben Bano writes from 'Seeking Sanctuary' - a group which speaks on behalf of migrants and asylum seekers and organises collections of useful items for migrants in Calais. (For information on how to help please contact Ben on 07887 651117 or visit the website at www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com)

"We so often use the term 'migrant' to typecast a whole group of people, when in reality they are individual human beings like you and me. People who search for a minimum of dignity in their lives which have often been torn apart by events beyond their control. People like the young Syrian dentist who had to flee withhis family when faced with the conflicting demands of Assad's armyand ISIL. People like the young engineer from Eritrea who faced up to30 years of compulsory military service if he stayed in his country.People like the young Sudanese migrants who attend French language classes given by a volunteer each week in a makeshift school room so that they can apply for asylum in France. People like the Ethiopian migrants who built a makeshift Church before considering their ownneeds.

People who are not in search of an 'Eldorado' but insearch of a modicum of dignity and decent living conditions forthemselves and their families. People who benefit from the concerted efforts of 'Secours Catholique' and other agencies who provide materials to build more durable shacks. For you and me, rainfall means a little inconvenience - but for migrants in Calais it meanssodden blankets and sleeping bags which are often hard to replace.And when the cold weather comes later in the year, there are no sources of heat other than open fires.

That's why many of those involved detest the term 'jungle' as it denigrates and demeans them to the level of animals. And for every migrant who risks their life in attempting to get to England, there are others who await an uncertain future with hope and dignity and a determination not to letthemselves go downhill. Some enterprising people have set up a shop, even if it means dragging the supplies 8 km to it in a supermarket trolley.

We are grateful that the narrative here in the UKappears to be changing. In spite of the 'official' line and the efforts of some parts of the popular press, we are gratified by themessages of support and offers of help we have received and the messages from social media which focus on understanding rather than condemnation.

Faith Groups of all denominations are looking to seehow they can help, and we hope to be sending a van to Calais at theend of the month loaded of goods. There is still plenty of humanity out there! And many of the Faith Groups who have been the bedrock of our support are becoming increasingly outspoken - we look forward to heating more of the migrants' message in BBC 'Songs of Praise' on16th August!"

This message (forwarded by Phil Kerton) is from 'Seeking Sanctuary' which speaks on behalf ofmigrants and asylum seekers and organises collections of useful items for migrants in Calais. There are currently about 3000 migrants inCalais (July 2015) living mostly in squalid conditions. Forinformation on how you or your organisation can help please contact Ben Bano on 07887 651117. Visit our website on: www.seekingsanctuary.weebly.com