Red Cross Welcomes First Emergency Intake of Syrian Families

Red Cross Welcomes First Emergency Intake of Syrian Families to Wellington

Red Cross has welcomed the first Syrian families accepted under the emergency refugee intake to Wellington today.

Seventy four Syrians have arrived in the city, the first of 600 to be accepted to New Zealand under the government’s special emergency intake, over the next two and a half years.

Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine says the organisation has been overwhelmed by the generosity and support coming out of Wellington ahead of their arrival.

“It’s been fantastic to see so much support. We know Wellingtonians will do all they can to welcome these new Kiwis, whether that’s by starting a chat over the fence or sharing a meal.

“Moving is hard for anyone, but imagine moving to the other side of the world without the support of family and friends. Refugees are just ordinary people like you and I, but they have had an extraordinary journey. We all need to reach out and help them feel part of the community.

“Kiwis can all do their bit, from being a welcoming neighbour and saying kia ora across the fence, to getting involved and giving your local Red Cross office a call to see how you can help.”

People who arrive as refugees complete a six-week orientation programme at the Department of Immigration’s Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre before being resettled in one of six resettlement locations around New Zealand: Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson and, from April, Dunedin.

Red Cross is primary provider of refugee community resettlement in New Zealand, supporting former refugees for up to twelve months after their arrival.

Red Cross volunteers play an essential role in the resettlement process. Red Cross has trained extra volunteers to welcome and support the families along their resettlement journey, Mr Paine says.

Volunteers help families with New Zealand systems, such as enrolling in schools, navigating public transport and setting up a bank account, as well as connecting new Kiwis with their local community.

Red Cross also provides employment, education and training support through its Pathways to Employment programme.

Red Cross welcomes the additional 600 places for Syrian refugees over the next two and a half years, but the scale of the crisis means New Zealand needs to do more, Mr Paine says.

“We’re facing a displacement crisis and, more than ever, people need our help.

“The current quota hasn’t increased since 1987. Kiwis have always been generous in the face of global tragedies but it’s now time for New Zealand’s refugee quota to increase.”

Mr Paine says while New Zealand helps refugees when they arrive, they quickly give back to their new home.

“Our communities are better off because of refugee resettlement. People bring cultural, economic and social diversity to our country, and soon become proud Kiwis.”

Last year New Zealand welcomed people as refugees from 21 different countries around the world. Mr Paine says it is also important to recognise all arrivals to New Zealand, and those who still remain in need in Syria.

How you can help:

· Become a refugee support volunteer. Red Cross volunteers are a friendly face and supportive guide for former refugees as they embark on their resettlement journey.
· Donate small, good-quality household items (like bedding and appliances) to help turn houses into homes for new Kiwis.
· Donate to support refugee resettlement programmes in New Zealand and Red Cross efforts on the ground in Syria at www.redcross.org.nz.

ENDS

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