#Ukraine - Deserving or undeserving?

As a black women, I am incredibly proud of the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the way Europeans have come together, extending their generous support to the those fleeing war.

Policymakers have lifted the usual barriers for freedom of movement, granting Ukrainian’s education, healthcare and the right to work for up to 3 years.

The UK have even promised ￡350 per month as a 'thank you' or 'incentive' for hosting Ukrainian families.

The kindness, generosity, and support around the globe is commendable. And, I am glad we are welcoming Ukrainian’s with open arms. They are deserving of a future and a hope not jeopardised by war.

I do question though, aren't all citizens deserving of kindness and shouldn't this be the way we receive all citizens fleeing war?

Citizenship and ethnicity should not be a deciding factor

I am sickened by world leaders, media and border police whose treatment of people from non- European decent trying to leave Ukraine has been disgusting.

One news channel. I won’t name it!

Said about the shocking images of the conflict; ‘This isn’t in Africa or the Middle East. This is a civilised country!!’

So, that’s ok then. Multidimensional chaos, tension and calamity is fine, as long as you are not from Europe!!!

I am disappointed that even within a war, and being under siege, we still have time for racism and anti-blackness ??

It was only afew months ago, in Afghanistan we saw babies thrown over fences to American soldiers and reports of children being sold as child brides.

But, we did not see the same kind of generosity extended to welcome them! Perhaps, it is much easier to empathise or help people who look you?

Racism is still so deep rooted and unconscious. AND we are ALL deserving to be welcomed with open arms within an infrastructure that supports and accepts those fleeing, to rebuild their lives safely.

EVERYONE deserves to flee war! We really need to change how we look at humanity.

Let's keep calling out these double standards xx

Support Black People Fleeing Ukraine

Black Women for Black Lives, or?BW4BL?for short have come together to raise money to rescue Black lives, especially students, who were being discriminated against while trying to flee a war torn Ukraine.

Please donate here and follow the women below organising this;

● Patricia Daley: @TRiiCiiAKANTREL on Twitter and @regina_x on IG

● Tokunbo Koiki: @toksyk27 on [email redacted]ki on IG

● Korrine Sky: @korrinesky on Twitter and @korrineskyy on IG

● Official handles: @BW4BL_official on Twitter and Instagram

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