Syrians in New Zealand have rallied together in Auckland today to get the government to act on the crisis in Aleppo.
Dozens of people turned out in Auckland today to support peace efforts in Syria. Photo: RNZ / Anusha Bradley
About 50 people gathered at Aotea Square in central Auckland today for the demonstration in support of those fleeing Syria and to demand a stop to the killing of civilians.
Tens of thousands of people remain trapped in the city after evacuations were halted by the Syrian government, with the United Nations warning at least 2700 children would be in danger if they could not get out.
The Green Party and Amnesty International have urged the government to consider another emergency intake of refugees from Syria, in light of the humanitarian crisis.
The Syrian Solidarity group said that needed to go further, and said the government needed to demand the Assad regime, Russia, Iranian and Iraq militias stop killing civilians.
Spokesperson Ali Akil said its rally in central Auckland this afternoon was a push for action.
One of the protesters, Fareeda Kassem, said she wanted New Zealand to take a stand against the violence.
"The innocent people, the children, the newborn, who are being bombed in hospitals and schools. And this is just so crazy to see the whole world is being so silent about it. We're seeing this live, it's like nobody can deny this anymore."
Several groups, including Amnesty International and the Green Party, want an emergency extension to the refugee quota to help the Syrian crisis.
Green MP Denise Roche Photo: RNZ
Green Party immigration spokesperson Denise Roche said New Zealand had the capacity to take more refugees.
"I do think it should be considered right now because of the conflict that's happening there, and there's some people who are seeking a safe haven."
Ms Roche said the Green Party was also calling for a permanent increase to the refugee quota, to 1500.
Amnesty International also called on the government yesterday to accept another emergency refugee intake, saying New Zealanders strongly supported taking in more refugees.
The government announced last year that it would take an extra 600 Syrian refugees over two-and-a-half years as part of a special emergency intake.
From 2018, the refugee quota will be lifted from 750 to 1000.
