We must respond to the suffering of asylum seekers

"Many people in Finland have already stepped forward to help those fleeing war and instability. We cannot close our eyes to human suffering. We appeal to labour market organisations in particular – to trade unions, their branches and rank-and-file union members – to support the asylum seeker reception work of local authorities and NGOs," the SAK Executive Board states in a joint declaration.

In addition to providing immediate assistance for displaced individuals and families, the situation calls for sustained effort to improve conditions in countries of origin and to reinforce the reception capacity of destination countries. To support this work, SAK has taken a decision to make donations of EUR 10,000 to the Finnish Refugee Council and to the Finnish Red Cross.

SAK President Lauri Lyly stresses that Finnish central and local government must be prepared to assume its share of responsibility within the European Union context.

"Finland must maintain sufficient capacity to receive, integrate and find work for people who come here."

Lyly insists that the European Union must find the common will to resolve the refugee crisis as a matter of urgency.

"The situation is exceptionally serious, with thousands of new asylum seekers arriving in Europe every day. We are looking to the conference of European Union Interior Ministers on 14 September to come forward with decisions that help these people. The question of binding national refugee quotas should also be on the agenda."