The Refugee Convention Poem by David Chalk

Sixty odd years in the past
Many countries made a promise
Meant to last
They promised to protect
And treat fair
Those who fled persecution
From no matter where
But now they are required
To uphold their vow
We found such promises
Don’t matter now
As each country
Which faces the test
Tries to reduce it’s obligation
To the vulnerable rest.
While those subject to persecution
Who ask for protection
Under The Refugee Convention
Are treated like criminals
By Government intention.
These are the actions of
The civilised lands
Who’d rather clench their firsts
Than offer helping hands.
The countries who claim
To honour their vows
But do so with standards lame
And voices loud.