EU
In a time when Europe had to show unity and solidarity, it stayed divided, building up walls against those in need. The countries from the Union separated themselves from the whole and placed their own interests first turning their backs on the main human principles.
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The past 2015 year was filled with numerous events, some of them good, some of them not so much. But one phenomenon shook the whole world and made us all question the moral values of the 21st century. The so called European Migration Crisis began when flows of migrants, coming from the Middle East and Africa entered Europe provoking a wave of various reactions.
Throughout the year we were overwhelmed with different ideas, comments, opinions and proposals for solutions to such an extend that we started looking at the migrant crisis in a very cold, almost laboratory manner. We had manageд to detach ourselves from the heart of the problem “Why are these people coming to Europe?” and we forgot that the refugees, which stories we see and hear about every day are normal people, trying to find peace and security for their families and themselves. We witnessed terrifying events, scandals and building up walls on the borders of European countries.
As a citizen of a country, that appears to be an external border of the European Union and as a person taking a great interest in not only political but also in social issues I tried to explore the matter a bit deeper. Here I don’t want to bring up the economical consequences of the migrant wave but to present a different point of view on this crisis… The humanitarian one.
In Bulgaria I came across different opinions on the subject. I talked with people my age and I tried to understand their points of view. Some of them weren’t really familiar with the problem until it appeared on the first pages of the major newspapers or in social media, but I also met people who had been following the issue for awhile, who were able to see the complexity of the matter and remained open-minded. As a volunteer with the Bulgarian Red Cross I had the opportunity to really understand that some of the fundamental principles of the organization may be the right way to address the crisis.
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Humanity | Impartiality | Neutrality | Independence | Voluntary Service | Unity
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Humanity – The main thing that we should never forget is that the refugees entering the European continent every day are humans and not just statistics. Unfortunately it’s rare that we acknowledge that every one of them had to pass through major challenges, and some have even lost their lives, trying to find a secure place for their families and themselves. Many of the millions gathering at the borders had to cross desserts or seas, losing all of their belongings and financial resources. Therefore the essentials that we have to ensure are food, clothes and shelter, especially now with the winter conditions. And still every refugee that fled their country due to military actions, disorders or terrorism, no matter the age, race or nationality needs basic security and a little hope that they will start a new life and find peace.
Impartiality – As I mentioned previously we shouldn’t help selectively. It doesn’t matter if the refugees we accept are from a Syrian, Iraqi, Afghani or Sudanese origin. Non-discrimination is one of the most important elements of dealing with this crisis. We should concentrate on trying to help based on need and not on ethnicity or on the political situation of the country of their origin.
Unity – The European countries should remain united in the face of such challenge. We should not show disagreement between ourselves, but join full force ,elaborate efficient politic and apply it, in order to distribute fairly the weight of the problem.
Most of all, we clearly have to address the cause of this migrant wave. Many countries are torn apart from civil wars and entire cities are devastated just hours away from Rome, Athens or Sofia. Their inhabitants are forced to look for a better future away.
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The developed countries and most of all, the great powers in the international politics should make their first priority finding a way to restore the peace and order in the these areas. We have to use any tools to bring all the reasonable sides to the negotiation table and establish order and stability. All human beings deserve to live in a calm and safe environment and I believe we have the ability and most of all the obligation to join out efforts and provide it to those in need!
The UN Refugee Agency
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- Viktoria Buchkova
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