Let
us not forget our refugees
This week’s reports from Somalia, the deaths of at least
31 people and hundreds others forced overboard in stormy seas, some
stabbed, raped and battered with clubs is a clear indication that
nations are not doing all they can to prevent unnecessary loss of
lives of refugees that are fleeing conflict .
The issue of refugees that flee the Horn of Africa will continue
to concern nations in the region. There is a lot of debate these
days about African immigrants trying to enter Europe, other African
nations or the Middle East braving inhospitable climates, war zones
and predator-infested forests to seek refuge or possibly better
living conditions. Africa continues to lose many of its citizens,
mainly youths, on dangerous treks. Despite the perilous journey,
whether by land or sea, many are still willing to brave precarious
conditions for what they believe to be greener pasture elsewhere.
Sadly, very few ever make it to their destinations despite the sacrifices
made and often fall prey to unscrupulous middle men and smugglers
that value monetary gains over lives.
The lack of coordination and probable negligence by governments
often are causes for unnecessary loss of human lives. Governments
who know and understand the amount of lengths refugees would go
to reach their destinations should at least coordinate together
to help prevent unnecessary sorrow. Yes, one understands fears from
host nations of an eminent tsunami of refugees that would come down
on them bringing along with them socio-economic pressures.
But pushing away refugees can only be a temporary solution, as they
would continue to come back again and again until they succeed.
Trying to address the root causes of the exodus should be a prudent
approach rather than opting for reactive measures. The Horn of Africa
as well as the Maghreb region will continue to be trouble spots
for illegal smuggling of people.
Deadlocks in talks have occurred. Others have opted to stay mute
in regards to the problem wishing that if not talked about often,
be it may go away. But that has never been the case with Africa’s
problems. We need to address the issue of refugees who brave all
sorts of hazards for promises of a better life.
This would mean stoping conflicts in Africa that is one of the leading
causes of this massive exodus. Conflicts continue to be a burden
on Africans where often one is forced to weather the cycle of violence
or simply fleeing leaving all worldly possessions. And his fate
is mostly decided upon by luck.
Some of the lucky ones are destined to a plot of dusty land and
makeshift constructions built out of sticks and loose material in
refugee camps where a few poorly funded aid workers try to accommodate
them with what little is available to them. Some even harbor the
dream of returning once peace reigns in their country. A dream which
Africa cannot so far promise them?
Dealing with smugglers and those involved should not be based on
‘I will do whatever I can within the limits of my border’,
maxim. Lives are at stake and cooperation is expected from all nations
that are affected by the influx of refugees. This week’s scenario
in fact whiffs of negligence on part of governments; the area is
one of the closely watched area following the routing of the UIC
from Somalia where we have been told that there is a strong search
for fleeing foreign nationals that have aligned themselves with
the UIC. How can a ship full of refugees have eluded all the talked
about surveillance? Or have the lives of refugees lost value in
the eyes of governments in the region?
One thing is clear: we cannot tolerate any additional loss of life
that emanate from botched refugee smugglings, people have to be
accountable for the loss of lives and injuries sustained. Urgent
steps have to be made to stem the flow of refugees that brave the
dangerous waters. We should first tackle the root causes of poverty,
persecution and conflict rather adding fuel to the rhetoric.
March 30, 2007
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