Chiswick Churches to hold refugee evening

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there are over 19 million people “of concern” worldwide, an horrific total which does not include those Internally Displaced People who have been driven from their own lands in countries like Sudan. So who are these people, and what is being done to help them? What part does Great Britain play in all this?

Chiswick Churches for Trade Justice, an organisation that brings together Christian communities from all over West London, is organising an evening of talks by acknowledged experts on the subject. This event will take place at Christ Church Turnham Green, opposite Chiswick Town Hall, on Wednesday 7 December starting at 8.p.m., with refreshments served from 7.30.p.m. Admission is free.

Speakers include Peter Kessler of UNHCR UK, Andrew Hogg of the Medical Foundation for the care of Victims of Torture, Matthias Schmale, Director of the International Division of the Red Cross and Louise Zanré of the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Chair of Chiswick Churches for Trade Justice, Simon Rodway, said: “The refugee issue is a very pertinent one right now and the evening will explore issues like what forces people to abandon their families and their own country, why they come to Britain and what happens to them once they get here. All those with an interest in learning more about the subject will be most welcome.”