Northern Ireland trade unionist launches song for refugees

Trade unionist songwriter Davy Kettyles has joined forces with playwright Martin Lynch to launch a song for refugees.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2016, 18:12 BST
Updated 22nd Nov 2016, 12:17 BST
A paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi, 3, after a number of migrants died and a smaller number were reported missing after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized, near the Turkish resort of Bodrum. AP Photo/DHAA paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi, 3, after a number of migrants died and a smaller number were reported missing after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized, near the Turkish resort of Bodrum. AP Photo/DHA
A paramilitary police officer investigates the scene before carrying the lifeless body of Aylan Kurdi, 3, after a number of migrants died and a smaller number were reported missing after boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized, near the Turkish resort of Bodrum. AP Photo/DHA

The song was written to mark the first anniversary of the death of Aylan Kurdi, the Syrian toddler who drowned along with most of his family as they tried to reach safety in Europe.

Mr Kettyles said: “I was powerfully moved by the death of little Aylan and by the plight of so many people who have been forced to leave their homes because of war.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I made this song in the hope of challenging the prejudice that exists to the migrants who are seeking refuge here and to encourage people to give something to help those caught in this tragedy.”

Playwright Martin Lynch gave his backing as he spoke this morning at a launch event for the song entitled ‘Humanity’ which was written by the senior organiser with Unite.

Donations to Save the Children can be made via justgiving.com or through paid download of the song from various outlets.

Related topics:Northern IrelandEuropeUnite