Eight Palestinian Firefighters will tomorrow (Wednesday 11 November 2009) be welcomed to the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Women’s Conference currently being held in Dundee.
STUC Assistant Secretary, Ann Henderson, said
“It is doubly appropriate to be welcoming the Firefighters from Nablus to our conference as the City of Dundee, our hosts this year, has been twinned with Nablus for many years. Also, during their visit, the conference will be turning its attention to the plight of Palestinian women”
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) formed part of the STUC delegation visit to Palestine in March 2009 and on their return, having made links with the Firefighters in Nablus, the FBU organised a delegation visit, which includes comprehensive training for firefighters, to the UK for eight Palestinian Firefighters.
On the 25th of October, eight Firefighters travelled from Nablus, Palestine to Scotland and began their training. This training, which includes learning how to be a trainer so that they can train their colleagues back home, has taken place across Fire and Rescue Services within Scotland.
Denise Christie – FBU Scottish Women’s Rep said:
“It has been a privilege to spend time with our friends from Nablus and to hear directly from them about their situation in Palestine. This has only strengthened our resolve to campaign vigorously for the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent, free Palestinian state. We are looking forward to their contribution at the STUC Women’s Conference.”
ENDS
For further information contact Ann Henderson 0141 337 8100
