Taking a walk to show solidarity with asylum seekers

When a global health crisis breaks out it is easy to forget about other pressing issues impacting humanity. Climate change, corruption and a refugee crisis are still serious problems that have been buried under Covid statistics. Raising awareness about these topics is still vital and around the world, solidarity walks are one way of doing that.

Focusing on the various difficulties and challenges faced by refugees and migrants globally, two local initiatives are organising a solidarity walk. Hade and Generation for Change CY invite the public to join them to raise awareness and show solidarity to asylum seekers. The morning walk on January 6 is set to highlight the situation in Cyprus with so many asylum seekers being detained in the overcrowded Pournara camp in Kokkinotrimithia and at the centre in Limnes, Larnaca. Heading off at 9am, the two organisations are inviting people to join them on a long walk to make a statement, to reflect and sensitise.

“There are many barriers preventing refugees, asylum seekers and migrants all over Cyprus from accessing their basic rights under the law,” say the organisers. “The situation at Pournara is one example of severe discrimination, segregation and rights violations committed towards non-nationals that is kept out of plain sight and that has reached a stage of normalisation.

On Thursday, January 6 at 9am, “we intend to walk the distance between the camp and Nicosia city centre – a distance that many asylum seekers have themselves had to cover several times under challenging circumstances. The distance is about 20km of mixed terrain and low difficulty level but it will be challenging because of the length and the weather conditions.”

Volunteers that choose to walk the distance will be taken by car to a position near the camp. All those that register via the Google form on the Facebook event (Solidarity Walk) are also asked by the organisers to have a 48-hour rapid test, no matter their vaccination status, given the recent high Covid cases. Upon registering, participants will also be asked which tasks they can help with, for example, walking, driving other participants or banner-making. “All are welcome,” they say. “Let’s cooperate together for solidarity.”

Solidarity Walk

20km volunteer walk in solidarity for asylum seekers. Organised by Hade and Generation for Change CY. January 6. 9am. Pournara camp, Kokkinotrimithia. Facebook event: Solidarity Walk