Thousands of migrants are freezing on the Balkan route, people are stranded in refugee camps in Northern Bosnia, they have almost no water, no heating, no warm clothes and no food, the NGOs (Non Govermental Organization) defined this as the "Abyss of Humanity".
The migrants that take this route come from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Syria and they walk to get to Europe, they cross Bosnia (they used to cross Serbia) in the hope to get to Croatia, in the EU, but they are rejected and the Croatian police takes them back to Bosnia's border after beating and robbing them.
According to OIM (International Organization for Migrants) there are now 8 thousand migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On December 23rd there was a fire that destroyed Lipa's refugee camp (in Bosnia), taking away what used to the be only shelter for one thousand people rejected by Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. Despite the fire Bosnian authorities have failed to find new accomodations and the migrants are trying to survive in abandoned houses, half destryoed by the Balkan wars (1992-1995). They have to live there even now, when the temperature often goes under 14 F and heavy snow fell in the country, they try to wrapp themselves in blankets to survive the strong winds in the region. Human rights groups have documented violations by Croatian authorities over the years, including severe beatings and sexual assault of refugees and migrants. Women and minors have not been spared from the violence.
The European Union and its member countries have largely ignored the cry for help of thousands of people. It''s embarassing to see how the EU prides itself on how compassionate it is, on the respect of human rights on how solidarity is such an important and respected value,but we're doing very little to help and welcome these people in need into our countries We (Italians like me and other Europeans) keep talking about how everyone should be treated the same by the law, we are proud of our countries' freedom and yet we let this happen. The EU should have a policy based on the respect of human rights and on sharing the responsibility of hospitality and acceptance. Pretending not to see these things in the cases means being accomplices.
"We are living like animals, maybe even worse. If nobody helps us we will all die" says Kasim, he's Pakistani and he's staying in Lipa's refugee camp. It's unimaginable for me that we as human beings let other people suffer like this.
This is an example but there are refugees fleeing from violence, abuse, war and hunger all over the world and very few developed countries are trying to solve the problem. None of us choose where we are born and it's not something we have earned and deserve, I don't think it's fair that some people can have a better quality of life just because they were lucky enough to be born in a peaceful and free country.
Do you think that it's right that some people live better than others just because of where they were born?
Do you think that developed countries should do something about it or do you think governments should only think about their citizens?
If it was you, would you want other countries to help? If yes, how?
Do you have a problem when a country professes freedom and equality for all, but at the same time it doesn't help refugees from other nations?
Replies
Great topic choice Chiara and one that many students in the US just don't know about and understand. Very well written!!
Following the beliefs of many religions, all humans are created equal in the eyes of our creator(s). All humans have guarenteed rights to live and pursue happiness and freedom. As a country that is free and has so many people above the poverty line, we should be helping people in our county and other countries get their freedom. An increase in housing and resources for migrants and refugees would be a great starting place.
I agree with you and I'm really glad you said this because I think that this is exactly what religion should be about: how all humans are equal and they should be treated the same.
While I believe this difference in the quality of life based on the area in which one is born is unfair, I also believe it is unavoidable. Our world is severely split into two groups: developed countries and undeveloped countries. Currently, undeveloped contires are being left on their own or turning to other underdevloped countries for help. This only sustains the cycle of war, famine, and fleeing refugees. Developed countries should use some of their excess wealth and power to help underdeveloped countries or at least accept some of the refugees coming from these undeveloped countries. Of course I would want countries to help me if I was a refugee in need. I think we should develop stronger refugee programs in order to allow these people into our country in a reasonable manner. I believe it is hypocritical of a country when their words are opposite of their actions.
I totally agree with you and I believe that developed countries have been doing that for a long time, saying something and then doing the exact opposite. I know that it's not possible for wealthy countries to help everyone but I'm sure that we could much more.
I don't really think thats right but that is how it is in todays world. I think that developed conturies should try to help lower undeveloped countries and give the people a chance for better life. I would really want people to help just by building and cleaning up the town. I don't really know some people always say these things and it's not right that they will say they will help those people but then act like they hate them.
I agree with what you are saying beacuse I believe that everyone could do their own small part.
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