To Femke Halsema, Mayor of Amsterdam, Council Members and Citizens of Amsterdam

AMSTERDAM MUST PLEDGE TO RELOCATE REFUGEES FROM THE AEGEAN HOTSPOT CAMPS IN GREECE!

The humanitarian crisis taking place at Europe’s borders must end. 40,000 asylum seekers are still trapped on the Aegean islands, forced to live in self-made tents in overcrowded camps with limited medical services and inadequate sanitary facilities. These inhumane conditions are the result of 5 years of neglectful EU policies. 

Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, EU leaders have remained indifferent or hesitant to act. The EU Commission has promised to relocate 1600 unaccompanied minors. A step in the right direction, but not good enough. The horrendous conditions in the Aegean camps make all inhabitants, regardless of age or health, extremely vulnerable. EU leaders need a wake-up call. 

We have the moral obligation to act: Europe Must Act! Europe cannot stand by and leave children, women and men in such camps behind. In order to save lives, the camps on the Aegean islands must be completely evacuated.

On the 30th of March, the Mayor and citizens of Berlin pledged to take in 1,500 refugees. Following this positive pledge, we are asking cities and towns across Europe to join Berlin in offering sanctuary to the refugees stuck in overcrowded camps on the Greek islands. 

Will Amsterdam join with other European cities to demonstrate its commitment to basic human rights by pledging to resettle an exact number of refugees in their jurisdiction? Amsterdam, will you offer a safe sanctuary? Please, act.