Clandestino
February 26, 2007
From the inordinate attention devoted refugees and asylum seekers in Europe and America, one would be inclined to believe that this were a reflection of the magnitude of the problem. In fact, more than a third of the world’s 12 million refugees live in just two countries, and neither of them are European or American (another third comprises of Palestinians alone, driven from their lands ’48 onwards). Iran and Pakistan host more than 4 million refugees, despite their meagre resources, whereas Britain and Australia frequently send theirs to places like Dungavel (in the case of UK) and concentration camps in Nauru (in the case of Australia). Americans have their borders patrolled by vigilatne’s such as the Minutemen Project who are not averse to the use of violence.
Asylum is a right, and there is no reason why the victims of global economics should escape only to find themselves targets of local politics.
Here is a song for all the refugees and asylum seekers of the world from the brilliant Manu Chao.
Clandestino
Manu Chaosolo voy con mi pena
sola va mi condena
correr es mi destino
para burlar la ley
perdido en el corazon
de la grande babylon
me dicen el clandestino
por no llevar papel
pa una ciudad del norte
yo me fui a trabajar
mi vida la deje
entre ceuta y gibraltar
soy una raya en el mar
fantasma en la ciudad
mi vida va prohibida
dice la autoridadsolo voy con mi pena
sola va mi condena
correr es mi destino
por no llevar papel
perdido en el corazon
de la grande babylon
me dicen el clandestino
yo soy el quiebra leymano negra clandestina
peruano clandestino
africano clandestino
marijuana ilegalsolo voy con mi pena
sola ca mi condena
correr es mi destino
para burlar la ley
perdido en el corazon
de la grande babylon
me dicen el clandestino
por no llevar papel
Terrific song and always timely topic. And shame on the UK and Australian governments for their pathetic policies. Even children here are locked up behind barbed wires; asylum seekers seeking refuge and only a sincere desire to belong, feel human and make a contribution are subject to unconscionable lock-up. Championing the cause of “clandestinos” everywhere is to champion our most fundamental collective humanity as well as our right to a Home, no matter where we are and how far we are away from it.