We presented our 'Voices from Syria' talk to a large group of members of the University of the Third Age. In relaying the Syrian conflict through personal narratives, we were able to convey the nature of the conflict as Syrians experience it on the ground.
The second day of the Labour Party Conference on 29 September was busy in speaking to people about Syria and meeting with MPs to ask them to support a no-fly zone to protect civilians. We met with the following MPs and gave them copies of our policy document:
-Kelvin Hopkins
-Afzal Khan MEP
-Stephen Twigg
-Paula Sherriff
On the first day of the Labour Party Conference, we met with a total of 7 MPs and handed them our policy document:
-Mary Creagh
-Mike Gapes
-Hilary Benn
-Andy Slaughter
-John Woodcock
-Jo Cox
-Imran Hussain
Rethink Rebuild Society affirmed that Assad can have no future in Syria, analogising his role to that of Hitler. We stated that the primary purpose of the UK at this point, before debating details over a political solution, should be to protect civilians.
In a special on Syria,'The Food Programme' interviewed Rethink Rebuild Society's Office Coordinator on 27 September on his experience in travelling from Syria to the UK and the role that food played in the process.
We held a 'Voices from Syria' presentation at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge. We presented to a very engaging audience and clarified the Syrian conflict through personal narratives.
This year’s Eid Aladha gathering took place at Manzil Restaurant & Banqueting Hall on Friday 25 September. The hall was completely packed with 350 British Syrians coming together to celebrate the Eid.
Thank you to everyone who came, with a special thanks to our volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the event to make everyone's experiences so warm.
On BBC Radio Manchester, Rethink Rebuild Society's Advocacy and Policy Coordinator discussed the developments pertaining to Syrian refugees in the context of wider UK policy towards Syria.
Describing the dangerous conditions that made him flee Syria, Yasser Aljasser said that regime barrel bombs rained from the sky 'like bees'. These conditions prompted him to undertake a dangerous journey to the UK. Yasser affirms that although his brother was killed by ISIS, Assad remains the primary threat to civilians in the country.
RR attended an event in Parliament organised by Planet Syria. This event was hosted by Gisela Stuart MP and offered Syrian organisations and supporters an opportunity to get their voices heard to a number of MPs and Lords. Members of Planet Syria conveyed the dismal conditions in Syria and emphasised the need for concerted international action.
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