A little closer to home....
Door: Marlies and editors....
Blijf op de hoogte en volg Marlies
20 Juli 2016 | Griekenland, Athene
New job. New organisation. New location. New blog!
I am working on one of the wonderful islands of Greece. For most of us it is probably best known as a holiday destination. A beautiful country with everything a European wishes for in a vacation: sea, sun, culture, history, great food, friendly people - and we’re still in Europe, so it’s somehow familiar and no need to convert money!
However, in the past few days I have seen another side to this country. A side that is struggling with the ongoing flow of asylum seekers who are, upon arrival in Greece, managed under the ‘EU-Turkey deal’. So…. I considered writing a politically correct and somehow neutral blog - at least the first entry – but I just can’t! I am shocked and ashamed to admit that I have seen better treatment of refugees in countries much more troubled than here, in my very own European Union. The same EU that never misses an opportunity to pedantically criticize the behaviour of other states or actors when we feel they breach the human rights we (claim to) hold so dear. Why would we expect the countries these people are fleeing from to be bothered by us condemning their behaviour when we are not upholding basic human rights principles ourselves?
Don’t get me wrong; I am not at all advocating for a blank admission of asylum seekers into Europe. That is an issue far too complex to be unravelled by one girl, on one blog. I am simply baffled by the inhumane treatment of men, women and children (some of them without parents or caregivers) who didn’t break any laws, fled wars and violence, and came to us longing for that what was taken from them upon arrival: freedom, dignity and equality.
On the up-side: such conditions always attract heroes! Many passionate and tireless volunteers are providing clothes, language classes, activities, medical assistance and coming up with countless new ideas to mitigate the effects of this crisis on migrants, refugees, and the affected communities. Some of them are locals, but there is also a surprising number of foreigners working here voluntarily. The UN and NGO staff I have met here so far are equally amazing, friendly, motivated and knowledgeable. It remains challenging to work in a country torn between doing what is right and what is requested by EU leaders - but at least I am in good company!
So, as a first conclusion, I predict the coming weeks (yes weeks, short mission) will be frustrating and difficult, but will also give me a glimpse into human resilience and compassion in times of hardships and crises.
I will keep you posted!
Love,
Marlies
I am working on one of the wonderful islands of Greece. For most of us it is probably best known as a holiday destination. A beautiful country with everything a European wishes for in a vacation: sea, sun, culture, history, great food, friendly people - and we’re still in Europe, so it’s somehow familiar and no need to convert money!
However, in the past few days I have seen another side to this country. A side that is struggling with the ongoing flow of asylum seekers who are, upon arrival in Greece, managed under the ‘EU-Turkey deal’. So…. I considered writing a politically correct and somehow neutral blog - at least the first entry – but I just can’t! I am shocked and ashamed to admit that I have seen better treatment of refugees in countries much more troubled than here, in my very own European Union. The same EU that never misses an opportunity to pedantically criticize the behaviour of other states or actors when we feel they breach the human rights we (claim to) hold so dear. Why would we expect the countries these people are fleeing from to be bothered by us condemning their behaviour when we are not upholding basic human rights principles ourselves?
Don’t get me wrong; I am not at all advocating for a blank admission of asylum seekers into Europe. That is an issue far too complex to be unravelled by one girl, on one blog. I am simply baffled by the inhumane treatment of men, women and children (some of them without parents or caregivers) who didn’t break any laws, fled wars and violence, and came to us longing for that what was taken from them upon arrival: freedom, dignity and equality.
On the up-side: such conditions always attract heroes! Many passionate and tireless volunteers are providing clothes, language classes, activities, medical assistance and coming up with countless new ideas to mitigate the effects of this crisis on migrants, refugees, and the affected communities. Some of them are locals, but there is also a surprising number of foreigners working here voluntarily. The UN and NGO staff I have met here so far are equally amazing, friendly, motivated and knowledgeable. It remains challenging to work in a country torn between doing what is right and what is requested by EU leaders - but at least I am in good company!
So, as a first conclusion, I predict the coming weeks (yes weeks, short mission) will be frustrating and difficult, but will also give me a glimpse into human resilience and compassion in times of hardships and crises.
I will keep you posted!
Love,
Marlies
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Je kunt nu ook Smileys gebruiken. Via de toolbar, toetsenbord of door eerst : te typen en dan een woord bijvoorbeeld :smiley
