Flüchtlingskrise

REFUGEE CRISIS

How can Europe shape a more humane refugee policy and offer the people affected a future perspective?

The problem

There is no European country from which people have not fled in the past as a result of war, crop failures after a drought or political or religious persecution. In return for better knowledge, however, refugees are not judged on the added value they can bring to an ageing society or an economy with a lack of skilled workers, but on cost and risk factors.

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he form of current cooperation with autocratic states such as Turkey creates dependencies that further exacerbate the refugee problem. Nor will the EU’s planned “return patents” as part of the current migration pact work. People who have nothing to lose after a civil war or the consequences of climate change will continue to be in the hands of smuggling gangs.

We are also wary of the fact that most European families have their own refugee history and that Europe has a historic responsibility, particularly with regard to Africa. It was only through the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement and the heightened discussion of everyday racism that we were painfully reminded that we all have a special obligation to make a lasting effort to resolve the mistakes of the past. The cause of the unresolved refugee problem is therefore not only in skill but in wanting.

The Vision

Hardly any person voluntarily leaves his homeland if he does not have to do so absolutely. Therefore, the search for an alternative solution begins in the creation of shelters for refugees in a safe proximity to their original homeland. Returning to their homes is and remains the highest motivation for the affected families. To this end, the EU could set up refugee shelters in border strips that would be easily accessible to the refugees.

Under the protection of UN blue helmets, refugee communities could then emerge as temporary, safe areas. The construction of houses and vital infrastructure, as well as the operation of health and education facilities, could be carried out through the cooperation of local and European companies. Crucially, as soon as the end of a conflict looms, people can return to their original homeland more quickly.

In contrast to the refugee camps that already exist today, which are forgotten in nowhere, European sponsorships would create economic growth opportunities. Above all, this would give the refugees, as the main victims, a real alternative to a dangerous escape.

The implementation

This would require the choice of a safe area with basic infrastructure and sufficient development opportunities. It is perfectly clear that such a large-scale project involves different time perspectives: from acute emergency aid on the ground to expansion.

During their stay, it is important that people are actively involved in building such a refugee community from day one, according to their abilities. Training as craftsmen or other required occupations creates a meaningful perspective. The long-term goal must be for communities to be able to provide themselves with increasing self-sufficient care.

In addition,

For example, European states could select individual people specifically for use as development aid workers. This would provide an additional professional opportunity for which there is always a need and which is sometimes difficult to find specialist staff. Those who train as skilled workers can also apply for a Blue Card for the EU. Certified companies take over the sponsorship with all the necessary obligations, which will facilitate integration. People who choose this route to the EU should be given preferential treatment on a visa over those who want to illegally flee to the EU via smugglers. This would also make the business model of smugglers less important.

All these measures must be implemented in such a way that the refugees are given a dignified life in which they can also take part in individual decisions on local politics. The UN can provide the necessary protection and recruit additional security personnel among the refugees; but it should always do so on an equal footing with the refugees. All this is the best prerequisite for meaningfully promoting people’s own initiative.

If the takeover of sponsorships prove successful, other states could soon get involved on the ground. Such a competition of support may create new challenges; however, it is easier to manage compared to the current refugee situation.

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or the creation of a safe area in the crisis areas and a tandem solution with the European refugee camps, there are a number of other conceptual ideas, the scope of which would go beyond the scope at this point.

If you are interested, these will be explained in a personal conversation. They can be used to help the refugees in a targeted manner and to counteract years of lack of prospects.