Winning cartoons from ‘2nd Int’l Migration Cartoons Competition’ by HRS and Time to Help UK exhibited in London’s key locations. The winning works of the ‘2nd International Migration Cartoons Competition’ organised by Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) and Time to Help UK were exhibited in important centres of London. 20 of the works titled ‘Humanity Cartoons’ were presented to the attention of the public in an interactive open-air exhibition held one week apart, first in Pancras Square and then in Trafalgar Square.

The exhibition, which drew attention to one of the most important agendas of the world, migration and immigration, remained in the square for more than 2 hours each. HRS and Time to Help volunteers explained the problems faced by refugees and migrants to the crowd viewing the exhibition and answered questions.

Each of the works emphasises the reasons why migrants leave their countries, the difficult conditions they are in and the human rights violations they are exposed to. They also criticise countries and institutions that make the lives of migrants more difficult instead of trying to solve the problems.

Our statement about the exhibition titled ‘Humanity Cartoons’ is as follows:

Humanity Cartoons is a joint project of Time to Help and Human Rights Solidarity. These are two registered charities in England and Wales. Time to Help is active in humanitarian aid; and Human Rights Solidarity works on human rights. Immigration and asylum is an issue where these two areas of charitable work come together.

Immigration and asylum are among the most important topics of discussion in the world today. The migration flow from East to West and from South to North is growing exponentially every year. Last year, approximately 80.000 people have applied for asylum in the UK. According to a UN report, more than 108 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2022.

This mobility brings with it economic, social and political problems. People who leave their countries at the risk of death face brand new problems in the countries they think of as ‘safe harbours’. Some are arrested, some deported and yet others lose their mental health within years of uncertainty imposed on them.

By using the language of art, we want to raise social awareness about this vital issue and contribute to the solution of this human tragedy. For this purpose, 768 artists from many countries submitted 1,278 works to the cartoon competition on ‘migration and immigration’. The wonderful cartoons you see here have been selected from these drawings.

Each of the works emphasises the reasons why migrants leave their countries, the difficult conditions they live in and the human rights violations they are exposed to. As people living in peace and prosperity, we have to think about them. Like every human being, they have the right to live freely. We should extend all kinds of helping hands to them and create the safe living conditions they need. The United Kingdom must be welcoming refugees.

The winning entries of the ‘2nd International Migration Cartoons Competition’ organised by HRS and Time to Help are on display. On Friday 8 September, 25 of the cartoons we call ‘Humanity Cartoons’ will be presented to the public at Pancras Square in London. You can see the cartoons drawn by important artists from different countries between 3.00-5.00 PM. The same exhibition will be on display in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 17 September.

These cartoons draw attention to the issue of ‘immigration’, which is among the most important agendas of the world, and aim to raise awareness about the violations of rights.

There are many migrants living in the UK and the number of asylum applications to the country is increasing every day. People who are looking for a safe place just to survive and who leave their countries at the risk of death face very serious difficulties.

As people living in peace and prosperity, we cannot ignore these migrants in difficult situations. Like every human being, they have the right to live and work. Being aware of this, we should extend a helping hand to migrants and provide the safe living conditions they seek.

With these feelings, we invite you to see the cartoons that illustrate the difficulties of migrants very well and to think about the solution of the problems.

Meet us at Pancras Square on Friday at 3.00pm.

‘Have Breakfast and Learn British History’ project, which we will realise with funding from Greater London Authority, starts this month. This activity, which is implemented within the scope of ‘Community Support and Integration Project’, includes asylum seekers, refugees and migrants and will start in August 2023.

Welcome to the ‘Breakfast, Walk and Learn British History’ project, a transformative initiative under the GLA Building Strong Communities Programme. 

Our goal is to provide asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants in Greater London, who face financial hardship and social isolation due to the high cost of living, with an enriching and inclusive experience.

 Project Ambition: The overarching ambition of this project is to support and integrate asylum seekers and refugees in Greater London, empowering them to overcome challenges associated with social isolation and financial constraints. We aim to create a warm and welcoming environment in central London, where participants can have a nutritious breakfast, engage in social interactions with their peers, and delve into the rich tapestry of British history. By fostering a sense of community and enhancing their understanding of the country they now call home, we aspire to facilitate personal and social development among the participants.

 Significance to Our Organization: At our organization, we believe in providing equal opportunities for personal growth and social development to all members of society, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. We recognize that asylum seekers and refugees often face unique hardships when adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. Through this project, we aim to mitigate some of their challenges by offering a safe, inclusive, and educational space for learning and social connection.

 Inspiration and Development: The idea for “Breakfast, Walk and Learn British History” originated from conversations with members of the local immigrant communities who expressed their desire for more opportunities to socialize and learn about their new home. Financial constraints often hinder asylum seekers and refugees from participating in regular activities, leading to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. We identified the need for an accessible and low-cost initiative that brings people together and fosters a sense of community.

 Project Activities: The “Breakfast, Walk, and Learn British History” project will unfold over ten months and will consist of the following activities:

 1. Monthly 2-hour Breakfast Sessions and Community Gathering: These sessions will provide participants with a nutritious breakfast and a welcoming environment for socializing and connecting with others.

 2. Monthly 3-hour Talk, Regular Guided Walks in the Local Area, and Learning Sessions about British History: Engaging and interactive sessions will delve into the historical, cultural, and social aspects of Britain, fostering curiosity and encouraging active participation. Participants will have the opportunity to explore their surroundings, engage in physical activity, and connect with nature.

  Project Timeline:

August 2023:

• Date: Last Saturday of the month (August 26th)
• Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Venue: HRS Headquarter @ Trafalgar Square

September 2023:

• Date: Last Saturday of the month (September 30th)
• Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Venue: HRS Headquarter @ Trafalgar Square

October 2023:

• Date: Last Saturday of the month (October 28th)
• Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Venue: HRS Headquarter @ Trafalgar Square

And so on for the next 7 months until June 2024, following the same pattern of the last Saturday of every month.

May 2024:

• Date: Last Saturday of the month (May 25th)
• Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Venue: HRS Headquarter @ Trafalgar Square

Please note that the dates are subject to adjustments based on public holidays or unforeseen circumstances. The project will run for a total of 10 months, concluding in May 2024, providing consistent opportunities for asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants to benefit from this enriching experience and support their integration into the Greater London community.

 Join us on this journey of empowerment and integration! Together, we can build stronger communities and foster a sense of belonging for all individuals in Greater London. Let’s make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.

 Project Registration: “Breakfast, Walk and Learn British History”

Who can apply?

 You may be eligible to participate in the “Breakfast, Walk and Learn British History” project if the following criteria apply:

• Residency in London: Applicants must be residents of Greater London and able to provide valid address proof as evidence of their London residence.

• Immigrant Status: Individuals with immigrant status, including dependents, asylum seekers, refugees, visa holders, or those with other approved pathways, are welcome to apply.

Register Now

Migrant-filled boat, heading to Italy from the shores of Libya, sank on Wednesday off the coast of Pylos in Greece. Once again, the Aegean Sea witnessed a major humanitarian tragedy. A migrant-filled boat, heading to Italy from the shores of Libya, sank on Wednesday off the coast of Pylos in southwestern Greece.

As of Friday, 78 bodies have been recovered from the sea, and 104 people have been rescued. Hundreds of people are still missing. The survivors were taken to the city of Kalamata and most of them are receiving treatment in hospitals.

It is estimated that around 100 children and a total of 750 people, mostly in their twenties and male, were on board the boat. News sources indicate that the migrants were mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Palestine. Greece declared three days of mourning following the tragedy.

The easiest and at the same time most painful thing is to cry and mourn for innocent people after their deaths. So, who is responsible for so many deaths? In one word, all of us! However, the main reason for this tragedy is the failure of European countries to build safe passage routes. Or it is the unsafety and impossibility of the existing routes.

With the current conditions and the technological capabilities possessed by governments, these people should never have put their lives at risk in this way. People fleeing from war, torture, and persecution should be able to reach a safe place for themselves and their families without endangering their lives.

The United Kingdom, like other European countries, should learn from this incident and abandon hate speech and divisive policies.

Greek television announced that 9 people, including Egyptians, were detained on charges of “human trafficking” related to the incident. According to allegations, the boat departed from Egypt empty of passengers and picked up migrants in the port of Tobruk in Libya with the intention of heading to Italy.

The disaster occurred after the captain and crew abandoned the boat, which had a malfunctioning engine, on a dinghy. Greek authorities established contact with those on board. The individuals on the boat stated that they did not need anything other than water and food and that they wanted to proceed to Italy. However, the boat capsized and sank at 02:04 local time.

The Pylos Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation into the accident, and initial findings indicate that the boat was overcrowded beyond its capacity and that the migrants were piled up on the deck.”

The Community Foundation has recently accepted to grant our new project titled ‘Supporting Refugees and Migrants through Human Rights Workshops’. We are thrilled to announce that the Community Foundation has recently approved a grant to support our project titled “Supporting Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Migrants through Human Rights Workshops.”

The project’s primary objective is to provide human rights workshops to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. The workshops will be delivered by human rights experts and will cover topics such as:
·      An overview of human rights laws and conventions
·      Discrimination and how to combat it
·      Accessing healthcare, education, and employment
·      Understanding and navigating the legal system
·      How to advocate for your rights

The workshops will be delivered over a period of 10 months starting June 2023. Each workshop will last for two hours and will be delivered by Human rights experts.

The project will also include a series of social events, including cultural activities and networking opportunities, which will enable participants to build relationships with other refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants and reduce their social isolation.

The grant from Community Foundation will play a pivotal role in supporting the successful execution of this project. The funds will be utilized to secure experienced trainers and facilitators who specialize in human rights, migration issues, and community integration. Additionally, the grant will cover the costs associated with workshop materials, venue rentals, interpretation services, and other necessary resources. This support will ensure that the workshops are accessible, informative, and impactful for the participants.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all our donors and supporters whose contributions have made this grant possible. Your generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring. Together, we are creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and build a brighter future.

We invite you to stay connected with the progress of this project and other initiatives of HRS. Follow our social media channels and visit our website for updates, success stories, and opportunities to get involved.

Together, let us continue to work towards a more inclusive and just society.