News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

refugees-in-Bicske-Hungary-main_article_image.jpg
AP Photo/Petr David Josek
UK News

Christian refugee worker on EU crisis meeting: "The solution has to be found at source"

by Hannah Tooley

Ben Bano, founder of Seeking Sanctuary, a Christian group helping migrants in Calais the and in the UK, was speaking after European and African leaders began talks in Malta to seek long-term solutions to the humanitarian crisis.

These are some of the first discussions to involve African voices, and Ben Bano hopes that the meetings will "help the European leaders to at least have an understanding of some of the problems that are faced back in countires like Eriteriea, Sudan and Ethopia."

He said: "The solution has to be found back at source, and the more that we can involve the African leaders and people like the African Union in trying to at least achieve some safe havens for refugees, the less pressure there will be on Europe and indeed the less suffering there will be."

But Mr Bano also spoke of the hope the refugees bring with them: "In spite of the squalor and in spite of all the desperate situations there are really signs of hope, and it is so encouraging that many faith communities and Christian groups have put their support in."

Thousands of refugees are continuing to cross the Mediterranean to reach western Europe and on Wednesday more refugee deaths were reported.

Fourteen people died after their wooden boat sank on its way to the Greek island of Lesbos and a further 27 were rescued by Turkish authorities.

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Ban Bano here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate