Even after 4 years since the war started by the imperialist powers in Syria, hundreds of thousands of refugees are still struggling to go to Europe with ‘hopes of a better life’ . European states could not stand the public pressure on them after Aylan baby’s lifeless body hit the beach and they were forced to admit refugees to their country at the least. However, Europe insists not to take steps for secure passage versus new refugee migrations.
Refugees fleeing the war in their country are condemned to the traffickers because of the policies of the European Union. In recent months, tens of thousands of people, putting their lives at stake, passed from the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey to Greek islands. The seas are much more dangerous for refugees in autumn. Almost every day, news agencies make announcements like ‘refugee boat sank,’ ‘refugee boat capsized’ and countless refugees lose their lives on this ‘hope’ journey. Aegean sea has become a refugee cemetery.
Instead of opening its borders and providing humane living conditions for refugees in view of facing so much death, European Union is negotiating with Turkey for a new agreement that will lead to an increase in mortality. Refugees are the biggest trump of this bargain. In exchange for free movement and 3 billion euros, Turkey will become a large prison camp of Europe and Turkey will improve border security in return.
European governments have to open its doors to these people, in exchange for their signature on the Geneva agreement . Allowing a limited number of refugees under certain concessions means that remainder of millions of refugees will remain in Turkey in exchange of aids and formally closing the access roads for asylum rights. Refugees do not want to stay in the camps which they call as a “prison” in Turkey. Deaths can not be prevented by improving border security, drawing new fences, sending people to detention camps and the threat of deportation. This policy only increases the number of deaths. The borders should be opened in order to prevent more people losing their lives in the sea and safe passage should be provided. National and international public opinion should undertake the responsibility and put pressure on governments.Refugee deaths in the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts should be ended immediately.
On the other hand, the bill of terrorist attacks in France is given to refugees. We, who witnessed the massacre in Ankara, share the grief of the people of France and express our solidarity. The cause of the massacre in France is not the acceptance of refugees to Europe. ISIS massacres,are the result of the policies of western governments which support the continuation of the imperialist war in the Middle East and remain silent. New attacks are not bound by the closure of borders to refugees but they will be prevented by completely retracting the support given to reactionary forces in the Middle East.
Halkların Köprüsü Derneği – İzmir