A show of solidarity in the form of a ‘human chain’ celebrated the contribution of migrants to the UK at the King’s Dock today.
‘One Day Without Us’ is a national day of action to coincide with UN World Day of Social Justice, with the University of Liverpool Amnesty International group organising the local event.
For 24 hours, migrants from inside and outside the European Union, and everyone who supports them are invited to have a day of protest and celebration.
Dozens of people of all different ages assembled at the John Lennon Peace Memorial Quay with banners, flags and song to share their message.
Ulysses Alvarez, 31, from Switzerland, has been living in the UK for 10 years now and he welcomed the chance to share his feelings with fellow protesters amid the present uncertainty surrounding Brexit.
He told JMU Journalism: “I want to chat to people who are also European or non-European migrants, to find out how they feel about the current situation.
YouTube: JMU Journalism
“We know that we are not going to find any answers here, but we can share our concerns and questions about the imminent future.”
Kirsty Jones, 31, from Liverpool attended the event with her children. She said; “We have come to show our support for migrants across the world. I feel very strongly that we welcome migrants for all different reason and the government are not representing our views on that – it is a disgrace.
“My children feel that they can empathise with other children around the world. Today they have drawn hearts over the world map to show that we love everybody, regardless of where they come from.”
The One Day Without Us campaign is run and organised by volunteers from all walks of life and from many different political backgrounds. This includes Brexit ‘Leavers’ and ‘Remainers’, who put their differences aside to stand against racism, xenophobia and intolerance.
Anja Keermer, 38, told JMU Journalism: “I’m here to support the anti-Brexit campaign and European Citizens living in the UK. I have lived in Liverpool for 13 years, but I’m originally from Germany.
“When people say ‘you should go home’, this is my home, no matter what they think.”