THE Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) has launched its Welcome Pledge to ask candidates for May’s Holyrood elections to commit to supporting people seeking refugee protection.

The group is asking prospective MSPs from all parties to sign a pledge stating they will make Scotland a “welcoming place” and “stand up for the rights, dignity, and protection” of all refugees. 

This year’s election will also be the first time people with refugee status are able to vote in a Holyrood election, which the charity says marks a historic moment for Scotland. 

SRC chief executive Sabir Zazai said: “Standing up for people’s rights and supporting people seeking refugee protection should not be seen as a party political issue. 

“As we emerge from the pandemic and begin to collectively rebuild, we ask the Scottish Parliament to bring hope, dignity and a firm commitment to people’s rights to their work on behalf of everyone in Scotland over the next five years.”