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Union leaders gathered in Rome at the UNI Europa Regional Conference and endorsed an emergency statement designed to support and contribute the humanitarian efforts to welcome and integrate refugees to Europe. With a refugee crisis that is greater than at any point since the Second World War, Europe’s leaders are still turning their backs on people fleeing conflict, economic desperation and natural disasters.

UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said, “We will raise our voices against the racists and xenophobes who promote hate and fear! We should be talking about the positive impacts of migration – we must make a contribution to the integration of refugees today, because tomorrow they are our friends, colleagues, neighbours and union members.”

“Caring is what makes us human – seeing desperate people as less than human and actively attempting to keep them out will only lead to the festering of greater unrest, ” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

“Refugees would not put the lives of their families at risk if it was not a dire situation,” Denise Mcguire told the UNI Europa Conference, “This crisis needs a humane response. We must open our hearts, our borders and our bank accounts to help refugees.”

“Despite the mobilization of NGOs, volunteer doctors and unions, refugees in Greece still have to live in terrible conditions,” said Sofia Kanta of OTOE Greece, “Our decisions have to be immediate, urgent and efficient. We must respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of refugees.”