The EU has committed to send 348 million euros in the form of debit cards and cash to “as many as one million refugees” residing in Turkey. This is essentially the pay-back for the controversial agreement Turkey made back in March to inhibit migrants from entering the EU.
Turkey, as an associate member of the EU (not to be confused with an actual member of the EU), maintains ties but no benefits or restraints that would come from being an EU partner. This could be partially why compensation has been so slow to arrive, especially considering that 6 billion euros were pledged to the cause. Secondly, I would imagine that with all the recent terror attacks and coups (and general political instability), it would be rather hard for this humanitarian effort to proceed as intended. In fact, President Erdogan’s “post-coup crackdown” caused tension, straining relationships between the nation and the economic union, which have struggled to stabilize over the last week and a half.
Personally, I think this agreement is unfeasible and quite frankly, arrogant. I understand that the refugee question is currently of massive concern to European nations, however, displacing those who have travelled thousands of miles in dangerous conditions yet again, and especially displacing them to a politically unstable country where ISIS-related attacks occur on a monthly basis is pitiless. Yes, nations like Germany who have taken in hundreds of thousands of migrants in recent months should be applauded. Yes, it is true that such countries technically have no responsibility to do so. And yes, it is a strain on these countries both politically and socially. However, paying Turkey to keep refugees away? Sending them back to Turkey when they finally, finally reach Greece? Every living person has the right to live in a safe, socially inviting environment, and by refusing refugees and sending them into Turkey, the EU is violating this right and their responsibility as nations with the capacity to help these people.
I agree whole-heartedly with you on the disgraceful way that western countries have chosen to handle the refugee crisis. Clearly, there is much more that can and should be done. I personally am a huge advocate of the United States raising its immigration cap to allow more refugees to enter the country.
However, I admire how the EU has handled this delicate situation. They promised to send Turkey 6 billion euros to help with the current humanitarian crisis. However, given the current climate in Turkey and Erdogan’s dangerous authoritarian post-coup posture, the EU cannot give the money directly to the Turkish government. There is no guarantee that it would ever reach the refugees. By converting the money into debit cards and cash, they are essentially guaranteeing that it cannot be used for Erdogan’s corrupt purposes. And if that is all that western Europe is willing to do right now, at least we can be assured that debit cards to the refugees will be more helpful than expanding Erdogan’s budget.
I think it is extremely smart of the EU to approach humanitarian aid in this way. Through providing money directly to refugees, the EU avoids the intermediary of the Turkish government. This is beneficial for a number of reasons. First, it cuts time out of the equation, which, as stressed in this article is a precious commodity. Forcing money to travel through another mode of government would only slow down the process. Further, it allows the money to go exactly where it intends to go instead of being re-routed by a more questionable government. Directly distributing this money also helps greatly to boost local economies, pouring in capital that will allow not only refugees to benefit, but local business owners as well. Although it is regrettable that it has taken so much time to support these people in need, I believe the EU is taking a positive step towards solving the current refugee crisis.
The Syrian Refugee crisis understandably has taken time and resources of many and will continue to take more. I agree that although this solution does have some merit, will probably be difficult to implement. Unfortunately, the EU seems to be having some issues including Brexit that seems to show strain and disunity when the world needs the EU, the United States and other nations to come together to find a solution. I agree that all people deserve basic human rights and the ability to live in safety. However, it is easy to push off issues on others. In the moments of greatest stress is when the ability for unity and compassion is tested. I hope that the world, and many nations that considered themselves to be developed and looking out for the rights of those all around the world, is ready to get together and find unified methods of refugee relief. If this doesn’t happen, then I don’t know how refugees will worldwide get what they need.
Sorry, I meant to post this as a response to the original post, not any comment in particular