Annual Human Rights Lecture explores experiences of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Wales
The 2016 Annual Human Rights Lecture was delivered by Reverend Aled Edwards, who is Chief Executive of Cytun (Churches Together in Wales), Secretary of the Interfaith Council for Wales and a member of the Commission’s Wales Committee.
Reverend Aled Edwards discussed the experiences of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Wales and across the world, relating this to the protection and promotion of human rights.
He talked about the importance of legislation that provides the human right to life, the human right to family life and the human rights of children. He will explore whether these fundamental human rights are being breached.
Aled posed the question: what role can Welsh organisations and individuals play to help protect the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Wales and elsewhere?
He discussed his recent visit to Idomeni, on the Greek-Macedonia border, as part of a delegation meeting refugees fleeing conflict.
The lecture was followed by a question and answer session where the attendees had the opportunity to offer their views on the human rights challenges facing Wales.
Commenting before the lecture Reverend Aled Edwards said:
'Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to us all. 'This lecture will explore the experiences of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees in Wales and across the world. We will discuss the importance of human rights, not just to these groups but to everyone.’
'If the National Assembly gains further powers, Wales's relationship to the world will change. We hope this lecture will stimulate debate on the best role that a modern, devolved Wales can play in ensuring that the human rights of asylum seekers, migrants and refugees are protected.'
Last Updated: 11 Mar 2016