My intention was that this be the Xmas edition of my blog. I had it all planned out to be writing on Xmas eve and then when that didn't happen because of last minute planning, shopping and cooking I promised myself I'd hide away for an hour on Xmas day and write. Now both days have come and gone, Boxing day too just about and I've only just found the time to sit and put finger to keypad. Xmas is wonderful like that; all the family, love, giving, (eating and drinking) that you are barely able to find the time to scratch yourself let alone get too contemplative over much else.
I'm not at home in Sydney this year, nor have I seen home for many a month. Fortunately though I have a group of amazing people to spend Xmas with. We're all in London and while it's not a white Xmas you could possibly drown in Hyde Park if you got unlucky. Not everyone away from home this time of year has it quite so good though.
Christmas has got me thinking of the thousands forced to flee their homes in Syria and over the border to Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq to name a few countries that have opened up their borders. When they fled it was summer but now being winter they are hoping not for a white Xmas, but for some relief from the deadly cold that threatens them. Christmas also has me thinking of the asylum seekers who have fled places such as Syria and taken an arduous journey to countries like Australia. This Xmas they may have very few options as they face an uncertain future at the hands of political policies that inadequately recognise their rights to claim asylum. While many refugees in Australia may now find themselves released into the community while they await their claims being assessed, they have little recourse to work or other means of sustaining themselves, let alone any Xmas cheer.
I'm always amazed at the wonder of Xmas. How it seems to have a broad secular appeal. How it tugs at our collective heartstrings and (with the exception of crowded shopping centers) makes us better and more generous. However Xmas is not immune to the cultural myopia we frequently suffer when it comes to human rights. Inequality and oppression don't disappear at Xmas. War doesn't cease to ravage the world and hunger and cold bite just as hard. The only thing that seems to change for a day or two is our capacity to generously accept others. Lets start this Xmas and extend it through to 2013...
If you feel moved to do something about people forced from their homes around the world, here are some places to look and maybe give a little:
Save the Children
https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8452721/k.A1FC/Without_You/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp
Amnesty International
http://www.amnesty.org/en/how-you-can-help
Human Rights Watch
http://www.hrw.org/
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