The cast of Game of Thrones continue to try and use their spotlight to draw attention to the current refugee crisis in Europe. As season six started, they participated in a number of promotional videos to raise funds for the International Rescue Committee, which is the only organization working both in Europe and the Middle East on the issue. And now Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), and Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth) have visited an IRC camp in Greece.
“This is not an earthquake, this is not a tidal wave,” Liam Cunningham said. “This is a man-made crisis: 57,000 stranded in Greece. Refugee camps in Europe? Is this truly the standard EU leaders want to set as the way to respond to the global refugee crisis?”
“For me it is about the children,” Maise Williams said. “Children with so much potential, so many hopes and dreams. Where is the humanity that makes it acceptable for them to languish in refugee camps – in Europe?”
I have met some incredible, strong people today. People who need us to stand in solidarity.
— lena headey (@IAMLenaHeadey) June 30, 2016
In Greece @Maisie_Williams meets 13yo Haya who dreams of being an actor & performed 3 plays at @theIRC safe space pic.twitter.com/smly5CkjdY
— Kathleen Trickey (@KathleenAPrior) June 30, 2016
The actors are hoping their appearance will play a part in making the EU reconsider a recent deal to send Syrian refugees currently held in Greece back to Turkey without review, on the basis that Turkey is a ‘safe third country.’ Many rights groups are agains the move, claiming that refugee rights in Turkey are not being maintained and many are being pushed back into war torn Syria.
The journey continues.@Maisie_Williams @IAMLenaHeadey & @LiamCunningham1 continue their experience with @theIRC.https://t.co/OKe6HXOBew
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) June 30, 2016
(via The Guardian)