As Russia attacks Ukraine: Open the borders, welcome refugees.

Posted: 27 February 2022

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As we witness Russia’s assault on Ukraine, our thoughts and solidarity are with the victims of this war.

The conflict ongoing since 2014 had already displaced hundreds of thousands. Now, Russia’s invasion is forcing many more to flee Ukraine for their lives.

The UK government has been keen to wave the Ukrainian flag and issue words of sympathy. But as long as it slams its door in the faces of those in need, these are empty gestures. While Poland and Ireland waive visa requirements and open their borders to these refugees, the UK refuses to open safe and legal routes. It maintains visa requirements even as it ends applications from within Ukraine. And it pushes through a Nationality & Borders Bill that will further criminalise many refugees.

This is the same inhumanity that our government inflicts on all those fleeing war and persecution, from Syrians and Iraqis to Uyghurs and Afghans. The brutality must end – we demand safe routes, secure residence, decent support and equality for Ukrainians and all refugees.

We have also watched with horror as politicians and commentators, including supposed progressives, have agitated for punitive retaliations targeting Russian migrants and dual nationals: stripping citizenships, cancelling visas, expelling international students. We stand for international working-class solidarity, against war, xenophobia, and nationalism. We stand with Ukrainians against imperial aggression, and with Russia’s anti-war protesters.

We condemn the government’s hypocrisy. Open the borders. Welcome refugees.

Update 03/03/2022:

We believe that all those escaping war and persecution must be offered safe passage and welcome, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality.

We are horrified by reports that some Black people and non-citizens trying to flee Ukraine have been blocked, or have met racist discrimination after crossing it. And we call for visa waivers and resettlement schemes for everyone fleeing the war, whether or not they have Ukrainian citizenship papers.

We are already seeing discriminatory treatment of different groups of asylum seekers, and rhetoric attempting to play them off against one other. Whether from Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world – all refugees deserve unconditional solidarity and support. We call for an end to the racist treatment of Black, Asian and other racially marginalised refugees, and we demand all governments open their borders and give equal rights to all those fleeing war in Ukraine and around the world.