In 1937, Gernika was savagely bombed by fascism. Ever since Picasso painted “Guernica”, this village has become a worldwide symbol of Peace. In 2017, eighty years later, there is a need to keep its memory alive, by saying stop to the barbarism which keeps going on at other Guernicas, from which millions of people are fleeing. What is now taking place at the European frontiers is another major extermination in history. And we cannot remain still, standing on the sidelines.

In the conviction that political denunciation is the main driver of change, towards justice and dignity for all people, we, at the Refugees Welcome Platform (Ongi Etorri Errefuxiatuak), want to go beyond humanitarian aid. We cannot allow frontiers to become areas of detaining, dehumanising and death for millions of people. That is the reason why we are organising an event, to be held in Gernika, on 29th and 30th April 2017. This event will gather thousands of people from the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), Spain and other countries, to show deep indignation and repulsion at this situation, against the passivity and the indifference of our governments, and to propose and build alternatives. On this 80th anniversaty of the bombing of Gernika, we make this call for a mass mobilisation, to shout “no to the war” and to transmit to all refugees and migrant people that they are very welcome. Here is our proposal:

  • On Saturday 29th: refugees support marches. Starting at different places throughout the Basque Country (Euskal Herria) they will arrive to Gernika in columns, where an emotional and moving event, in memory of yesterday’s and today’s Guernicas wil be celebrated. Leading world figures in peace and human rights are expected to be attending the event.
  • On Sunday 30th, different thematic workshops and experience boards will be organised: right to assylum and refuge; anti-militarism; feminism; “no” to fascism and to racism; anticapitalism; hosting experiences; southern frontier; civil disobedience. The purpose of all these workshops is to give evidence of the different experiences, commitments and social struggles, and to continue the construction of networks between the different movements and social groups that approach us.

There will also be leisure and cultural activities. At the farewell event, we will demand effective and immediate answers to face this situation suffered by 65 million people all over the world.

YOU CANNOT MISS IT! COME TO GERNIKA 2017! LET’S MAKE EVERY TERRITORY, EVERY DISTRICT, EVERY VILLAGE, EVERY CITY…. A LAND OF WELCOME!!

We thank you for your attention, and are willing to welcome you

Please accept a warm embrace from the Ongi Etorri Errefuxiatuak Platform

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