SCOTTISH REFUGEE COUNCIL

That this House congratulates the Scottish Refugee Council on its thirtieth anniversary; notes that it is a leading human rights agency and has been responding to refugee needs caused by events across the world since 10 December 1985, most recently coordinating the humanitarian response of the public in Scotland to the Syrian refugee crisis in partnership with the Scottish Government; further notes that the Council’s work is recognised as an example of best practice in the UK, Europe and across the world, and of innovative responses to separated children, women, LGBTl refugees and families, and is pioneering in its holistic approaches to integration, recognising the dignity and resilience of refugees and works with them as assets and actors in this; views this as a cause for celebration as demonstrated annually by its Refugee Festival Scotland which not only highlights the contribution refugees make to the vibrancy of communities and cultural life, but also Scotland's welcome as a country that offers protection to people fleeing conflict and persecution where refugees can rebuild their lives in safety; and believes that this is something of which we can all be proud.