After years of bickering, EU states agreed this week to tighten EU asylum rules. MSF president Christos Christou criticized the new EU asylum plan in the “Krone” interview. “Ultimately, the result will be that the refugees will take even more dangerous routes to escape the wars and crises,” says Christou.
The new global peace index from the Institute for Economics and Peace is expected soon. And it’s safe to assume that for the twelfth time in the past fifteen years, the world has once again become a less peaceful place. This constantly presents organizations such as Doctors Without Borders with new challenges. “We have to be where people are suffering. But it is getting more and more difficult,” Greek Christos Christou, world president of Doctors Without Borders (ÄOG), told the “Krone”.
“Our work is being criminalized”
In many countries, workers are arrested. Supporting terrorism is the most common accusation. “Our work has been criminalized,” Christou said. “It is a war strategy to ensure that the enemy has no access to support facilities. And we are getting less funding.”
The consequences are clear: massive refugee flows. Especially towards Europe. And the EU’s asylum policy is not very glorious. Now the 27 member states believe they have found the solution in asylum seekers centers outside the EU borders.
Christou says: “It doesn’t work. Firstly, these are not safe countries, secondly, the conditions in these camps are appalling. Just think of the conditions in camp Moria on the Greek island of Lesbos.” Painful experiences, especially with the Libyan coast guard and the authorities, further weaken his confidence: ‘Modern slavery is practiced there.’
“The problem is only outsourced”
Doctors Without Borders will also discuss the topic at the 6th Humanitarian Congress this Friday in Vienna: “The problem is only being outsourced,” says Christou. “The result at the end of the day will be that the refugees will take even more dangerous routes to escape the wars and crises. And these people will come. They are desperate and they are looking for safety. build more walls.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
