By Anirudh Singla
We live in a world of inward-looking people. Several nations agree to adhere to deep commitments that seek continuous renewal of faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person, but not many are ready to take these words out of paper in the real life. With policies initiated by the Trump administration spewing out aversion and contempt at each crossroad, waking up to a world with more anguish and despair is common nowadays.
The only resounding light of faith sparkles from Ottawa (Canadas capital city), 455 miles north of Washington DC. After refugees and travellers from selected countries were banned from the country by President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered words of kindness and hope that can seemingly be interpreted to be converted into future course of action.
Canada Welcomes You
Between hate-filled conversations and propaganda flooding from within, Twitter found its messiah in a warm message by Mr Trudeau that said To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Over 39,000 Syrians have found refuge in Canada under him in his first year in office.
[su_pullquote]The Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Civil liberties Association brought up the Safe Third Country Agreement, under which Canada returns asylum seekers crossing the US-Canada border.[/su_pullquote]
With humanitarianism as its core philosophy, Canada has unfailingly worked to ensure that no person seeking solace from conflict be turned back, as has been reflected in its reception of thousands of refugees from Vietnam and Kosovo, back in the eighties and nineties. With its Refugee Sponsorship system that accredits private entities to resettle displaced persons on their own, Canada has effectively handled a large inflow of displaced people. With the wave of disapproval that the US Government has faced, several organizations are asking more of the Canadian Government.
The Canadian Council for Refugees and the Canadian Civil liberties Association brought up the Safe Third Country Agreement, under which Canada returns asylum seekers crossing the US-Canada border. Organizations demanded that Canada pull out of such an agreement so that there are no legal roadblocks in accepting refugees in the future.
Dis-Stain through coffee
Starbucks employees, who were wont to reading about possible changes to the Caffè Misto or scrutinizing caffeine content of Clover Brewed Coffee, found themselves looking twice at the customary mail sent by their CEO.
In a very strong show of solidarity, Starbucks CEO, came forward with a plan that intended to hire 10,000 refugees at its restaurants worldwide.
Starbucks, known for its community-development initiatives that include college tuition reimbursements and veterans hiring programs found an unlikely adversary in Trumps blatant policies.
Starbucks’ Refugee program | Photo Courtesy: The FortuneBasing its plan on abstract concepts of Conscious Capitalism and Ethical Retailing, it hopes to convey a hard-hitting message.
Perseverance and action, not pressure
The world would become a much better and kinder place if, for once, other nations look beyond their foreign policies and their subsequent well-analyzed statistical impacts, to help displaced people and offer solace to refugees. Merely signing across a paper affirming to take all possible measures wont suffice. Change needs to be ushered in and it will come out of perseverance, not pressure.
Featured image source: Natasha Notables
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