Safe Passage chosen for Guardian and Observer Christmas charity appeal

We are delighted that Citizens UK’s Safe Passage programme has been chosen by the Guardian and Observer for their Christmas charity appeal .

In recognition of the mountains we have moved this year, and of the fact there is still so much more to do, Guardian and Observer readers will help us find safe and legal routes to sanctuary for even more vulnerable unaccompanied child refugees across Europe, as well as helping those newly arrived in the UK.

The closure of the Calais “jungle” may have taken the focus off the refugee issue, but we do not intend to decrease pressure on governments to play their part in safeguarding vulnerable refugees. Our action outside Parliament next week is just one example of that ( please join us if you can ).

Although we are best known for our work in Calais, we actually work across Europe and beyond. As well as working with children throughout France, our first children arrived from Greece this month, we have also had arrivals from Bulgaria and Syria this year, and we have just opened up a programme in Italy. Guardian and Observer readers will help us grow even more; we want to find a way to give everyone fleeing persecution safe passage.

Neil Jameson CBE, Executive Director of Citizens UK, said: “Guardian and Observer readers’ donations will help Citizens UK identify and protect unaccompanied refugee children in Europe who have a legal right to be safeguarded in the UK. We will fight legal cases for refugee children, and organise communities to challenge governments to set up a working system. Donations will also be used to enable our network of member organisations to provide vital support to children and families on their arrival in the UK.”