Politicians and the media alike speak about the “refugee crises”, “the high influx of migrants” as well as the need to stop this “inflow” and to find ways to combat migration by tackling the “root causes”. The current narrative in politics within the Union undeniably has a negative character and the message seems to be clear: migration is a threat. It is a problem that has to be solved.
The situation in Eritrea is severe and reports show that crimes against humanity are committed in Eritrea on a daily basis. The fact that the people in Eritrea are forced into military service for an indefinite time and face slave labour in their country causes an ever-growing number of Eritreans to flee and to risk their lives on their way to Europe. These crimes against humanity have recently been confirmed and reported by UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea. Two ongoing petitions call attention in order to gain support for the condemnation of human rights violations in Eritrea.
On Tuesday, the 11th October, the committees on foreign affairs and development held a joint meeting to discuss European Union’s external action in view of migration and refugee movements. The meeting provided the chance for participants of the European Youth Event to express their views on the current refugee crises and to present their ideas for constructive solutions. Speakers of this event were Matthäus Fandrejewski, Linda Slapakova and Andrea Gabriela.