It has now been nearly one month since we woke up to the horrific news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Like everyone, the Bread & Roses team have been deeply moved by the scenes of people fleeing their homes, holding onto the few choice belongings they have left.

However, seeing the helplessness and devastation of displacement and the shattering consequences this has on civilians, specifically women and children, is all too familiar.

Over the last five years we have seen first-hand the impact of displacement on ordinary people, along with their courage and strength as they rebuild their lives against all odds, often in a context of hostility in the European countries they have sought refuge in.

There are currently 27 conflicts globally and 82.4 million people forcibly displaced. From our experience supporting women from Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries around the world as they rebuild their lives in the UK, it is clear that there are far more similarities in their experiences than differences to those currently seeking refuge from Ukraine.

Yet the response from western governments and media to this conflict has been markedly different.

We support the speed and openness with which Ukrainians are being welcomed to seek sanctuary. But this should be the rule, rather than the exception, for how we treat refugees.

It is important to ask why the response to the refugees forced to flee this conflict has been so much more compassionate than to those fleeing from the countless other conflicts around the world. Is it because this conflict is on our doorstep, closer to home? Is it because we have dependencies on Russia and Ukraine for crucial resources and so are feeling the direct consequences?

We don’t claim to know the answer, but what we do know is that the Ukrainian people aren’t the first in recent years to endure so much suffering through no fault of their own, nor will they be the last. 

We hope that the compassion shown by western governments, media and citizens won’t be limited to this single conflict. That the solidarity and sense of responsibility being felt by governments and citizens across the west endures. Having compassion and being moved to act will not be limited to this moment, to this devastating conflict, alone. Not letting ourselves forget or become desensitised.

Because, as Warsan Shire wrote, “no one leaves home unless home is the mouth
of a shark”. Because our privilege, our fortune, our historic culpability, our humanity demands that it always has been, and will always be, our duty to help those fleeing such brutality. 

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We want to recognise the relentless work of organisations that are and will continue to work hard to support refugees in the UK including: Migrateful, Routes, NEMI Teas, Reset and Chatterbox. If you can, please consider supporting them.