A former asylum seeker pleads with Scots to welcome with open arms those looking for somewhere safe to live
A former asylum seeker living in Glasgow has urged Scots to overcome their personal fears and anxiety about refugees and welcome them into their communities with open arms.
Aimee Ottroh, originally from the Ivory Coast in west Africa, issued the impassioned plea saying refugees fleeing countries such as Syria were merely seeking somewhere safe and secure to live.
"I understand it is not easy for some people in Scotland to accept refugees because many are struggling themselves," she said.
"But I hope Scottish people look beyond their fears of the unknown and personal struggles and accept that refugees are human beings like them and need support, encouragement and guidance."
Aimee, 41, who lives in the Knightswood area with her twin nine-year-old daughters Anne and Annielle, was granted right to remain status in January last year.
I hope Scottish people look beyond their fears of the unknown and personal struggles and accept that refugees are human beings like them
She fled her native country for fear of being raped and imprisoned because she belonged to the same tribe as President Laurent Gbagbo, when he was deposed in 2011.
Crucial to her settling in well in Scotland, she says, was the guidance and support she was given from community groups, adding she hopes that the hand of friendship provided to her will be extended to others.
"When you are refugee you are full of hope, fear and have worries as well in terms of how you think will be received," she continued.
"Your situation can make you think that everyone is against you.
"People seeking refuge are desperate and traumatised and they need understanding and support, they do not need to be blamed.
"They need to be welcomed and shown that they are valued because most will want to contribute to society and be grateful for the opportunity."
Aimee, who is studying community development at Glasgow University, spoke out at the launch of the Church of Scotland’s Speak Out – 10,000 voices for change campaign.
The initiative, which has been backed by musician and anti-poverty campaigner Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue fame, seeks to engage with 10,000 people across the country over the next four months.
Its aim is to hear first-hand from Scots what kind of the country they want to live in by the year 2035.
The results will be used to coordinate the objectives of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society Council for the next 10 years.
Speaking at Gorbals Parish Church, Ross said refugees seeking to settle in Scotland would be a "fantastic asset" to the country and hoped they would wholeheartedly engage with the Church of Scotland's campaign.
"This campaign is a very good idea and it is important to hear the voices of ordinary people on how they want to change society – they often have very good and wise things to say and if we do not listen we will not learn anything," he added.
It is hoped voluntary organisations will get involved along with local churches, politicians and wider society.
The Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, convener of the Church and Society Council, said: "People need to get involved and if we can get 10,000 voices from across Scotland telling us how we can make things better, that will have a huge impact.”
