Portfolio Entry #10: Essay

        Finally at home?

Wars, hunger, violence, insecurity and persecution are some of the reasons that annually lead thousands of people to leave their countries of origin in search of the best living conditions. Besides, the influx of refugees to Europe has increased considerably. Places where human rights do not exist or peace is not a way of living from Asia or Africa. Along the time, millions of asylum seekers have crossed the border of their country not only to find another alternative to survive but also to feel safe, be free, work, study, live with their loved people in peace as well. However, the influx of the origin of these migrations differs in opinions that build positive or negative barriers among the beliefs and thoughts of citizens that involves social, political and economic decisions of the political leaders around the world.

The causes of their growth are primarily associated with the increasing number of refugees who come from countries. They are looking for improving the conditions of their lives to escape from cultural, political, religious or social conflicts, for instance, Syria and Afghanistan in Asia or South Sudan in Africa by the conflicts and persecution of the civil war. According to the United Nations “An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home by conflict and persecution at the end of 2018. Among them are nearly 30 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18”. This line states that the war has resulted in the enormous displacement of peoples who have been forced to escape to other places in the world, searching for help to survive.

According to effective political decisions, few countries try to find a solution to asylum seekers. A clear example of union and empathy is Germany. On the one hand, The Prime Minister, Angela Merkel, analyzed the complex crisis that the country was passing through as a consequence of the uncontrolled refugee arrivals to its lands and borders and how that impacted their social, economic and political stability. On the other hand, Germany has been working with refugees who need help and give them access and tools to incorporate in german society to guarantee a better life. Besides, this country facilitates asylum seekers access to education, decent employment and freedom. Germany is a committed country that has elaborated successfully a plan of multicultural integration, for instance, “More than 10,000 people who arrived in Germany as refugees since 2015 have mastered the language sufficiently to enrol at a German university” the Guardian reported. “More than half of those who came are in work and pay taxes. Among refugee children and teenagers, more than 80% say they have a strong sense of belonging to their German schools and feel liked by their peers”.

Although many countries are opening their doors to welcome refugees as Germany, it is often that many Governments are not agreed to be a host country. Following the events, countries like Italy or The United States of America displace the possibilities to include and give them another opportunity to access a second homeland. Apart from that, they continue building walls to provide a fictitious sense of security at a local level; they mainly function as a theatre which tries to convince the population about inexistent effectiveness. The supposed benefits are less than the adverse impacts which they produce on the lives of people; the most affected by these fences are those who live in the shadows of the barriers. The consequences go from racism, xenophobic violence and discrimination. Instead of, gaining from this diversity in ways which promote peace and respect for human rights in the society.

In conclusion, it is important to determine the boundaries that challenge the political decisions of governments. Also, civil society has to provide and gain empathy in their social consciousness from this diversity. As a beginning to fade from refugee issues, it is necessary to promote peace and respect for human rights since everybody has the right to be treated equally and fairly. Hence, this world needs conscious citizens to build upon shared values and see in diversity, not a threat, but rather an enrichment. Real diplomatic cooperation among countries must be promoted. On the one hand, it is necessary to include appropriate political actions with the asylum of refugees in life-threatening situations. On the other hand, international and local laws must be executed to save people and they do not have to hide this problem under the carpet. To sum up, these issues are being delayed and thousands of innocent people die.

 

Bibliography

Retrieved from The Guardian. Last visited: September 29th, 2020. Available at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/angela-merkel-great-migrant-gamble-paid-off

Retrieved from the United Nations. Last visited: September 28th, 2020. Available at https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/refugees/