EUROPE’S REFUGEE CRISIS

About Crisis:-

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 3,50,000 migrants and
refugees have tried to cross the Mediterranean sea into
Europe.

The U.N. says 2,500 people have died on the seas so far this year.

Most of them are from West Asia, particularly from the war-ravaged countries of Syria, Iraq and Libya; many are also from the disturbed areas of Africa.
A substantial number of refugees are also from Afghanistan and Pakistan

THE ROLE OF THE EURO-ATLANTIC POWERS TO DESTABILIZE WEST ASIA

West Asia in the past was not like this; despite illusive democracy, there was political stability and economic activities flowed quite smoothly. West Asia was and is geo-economically extremely relevant for the U.S. and its allies due to having an abundance of energy resources.

It was in pursuance of narrow political objectives that Western powers entered West Asian territories and destabilized them.

 Iraq: Iraq is in ruins, even though it does not possess any weapons of mass destruction.

 Libya: Libya was bombed by NATO in 2011 after getting sanctions through the United Nations Security Council Resolution, 1973, and is currently a battleground for different ethnic groups fighting to capture political power.

 Syria: There is enough evidence to prove that on the pretext of supporting pro-democratic forces in Syria,western powers ended up helping the radical groups, providing necessary fodder for the birth of the deadly Islamic State.

 Yemen: western power supporting the Saudi Arabia led coalition forces that are bombing and destroying Yemen.

 Afghanistan: Afghanistan, also one of the known battlefields of the Cold War, was deserted by the West after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. But it was revisited post-9/11 by the Euro-Atlantic powers to destroy Al-Qaeda’s terror network. Yet, even after the death of Osama bin Laden, political instability continues in Afghanistan.

 Afghanistan is caught in an unending civil conflict and Pakistan’s socio-economic condition is continuously deteriorating.

WHY MIGRATION

 Endless conflict has ruined the social, political and economical structures of some countries in West Asia, making it impossible for people to have a secure livelihood. This is what makes people flee their own countries to other parts of the world, in search of peace, employment and stability.
 Freedom from conflict is important reason for large scale migration.

WHY EUROPE

 Europe is the closest wealthy, safe and accessible region from the Mideast and Africa.

 Also, some European countries are known for welcoming asylum seekers and providing benefits to help them get started in their new homes.

 Europe is the most preferred destination for the people from these fragile regions as it is economically prosperous, socially secure and has better immigration laws.

 Europe is experiencing one of the most significant influxes of migrants and refugees in its history.

HOW IS EUROPE RESPONDING

 Faced with a situation of a heavy influx of refugees, Europe is unwilling to welcome people into its territory.
 European countries disagree about how to handle the crisis. Southern countries like Greece and Italy want other countries to take them in. European Union rules say migrants should be settled where they first land, but now enforcement of those rules is becoming impossible.

 The European Union has unveiled a refugee quota plan to address the crisis, but is already facing opposition from eastern members

Way Ahead :- 

 Their irresponsible acts for achieving narrow political objectives have destabilised West Asia, and now European countries cannot turn their backs to the problems of the refugees.
 In this regard, it is also crucial for the EU to involve the U.S. Similarly, the stable countries of West Asia should be contacted to provide some respite to these refugees.
 If the goal is to stop the migration, that would require ending the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere