"Strangers into Citizens” Rally2012|2011
It’s amazing to see so many different people walking together through the same goal. It is – probably – the most edifying image of how this world should be: a place where we should be equal and united, having the same rights, no matter what color is our skin, which country we’ve been born, what beliefs we have…There is a place for everyone in this world and no one should have the right to restrict the Human rights and liberty.
On Monday 4th May, thousands of people marched to Trafalgar Square in support of an amnesty for undocumented migrants, led by the Strangers into Citizens campaign. There was a vibrant turnout, with faith groups, voluntary organizations and trade union groups from across the UK represented at the event.
The Strangers into Citizens proposal has been successful in building a strong base of support among many churches and community groups, as well getting some political commitment to the principle of an amnesty for irregular migrants, including from the Liberal Democrats. The London mayor Boris Johnson voiced support for the campaign and recently commissioned an initial research into the impact of an amnesty for undocumented migrants in London.
I think this kind of meetings are good exercises for raising our self-esteem and reminding us that we all are Citizens who deserve respect and dignity and we should always have in mind that everyone is special, that “I am Somebody!”.
Cecilia Seres
