Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘SYRIAN REFUGEES FACING POOR HOUSING & RACE HATE’
Cllr’s concern at support group report
A COUNCILLOR has said “serious questions about housing and racism” have been raised by Syrian refugees.
Tim Attwood spoke out after a campaign group released a report into the experiences of families from the wartorn country who have settled here.
The Participation And The Practice of Rights organisation claimed six Syrian families living in West Belfast under the United Nations Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme are facing “substandard housing conditions and recurrent incidents of racism”.
After the release of report We Came Here For Sanctuary, PPR organiser Elfie Seymour said: “Questions need to be asked about how this has been allowed to happen and to continue for years?
“Why does public money continue to be paid to private companies who, as these families testify, are evidently failing to provide even basic levels of services and care? Where is the accountability?”
SDLP representative Mr Attwood met with refugees who “highlighted racist incidents which left vulnerable families and children feeling very frightened”.
He added: “The community in West Belfast is united in support of the Syrian families here and wants to make their stay as welcoming and positive as possible. We must work with the families to resolve all issues of concern.” One man, who came to Northern Ireland with his daughter, told of rising damp in all rooms of his house.
He said: “My daughter was born prematurely at seven months and has serious ongoing health issues.
“The doctor has stated she cannot continue to live in these conditions.”
A Housing Executive spokesperson responded: “We are aware these issues have been reported to the landlord and we are sure they will be addressed.
“We will closely monitor the situation to ensure all necessary work is carried out.”