MARCH – WHAT A MONTH IT WAS…
More than 500 people arrived on Lesvos over the past few weeks, in a period of heavy storms. With severe weather, boats from Turkey are unlikely to be intercepted by the coast guard. At the same time, the crossing, in often small, unseaworthy boats, is a big risk especially with storms. Still, many people take this risk in the hope of a safe crossing and the promise of safety and protection in Europe. The storm also had an impact in the camp, located right at the sea. Our clinic also suffered: the storm tore the tent that serves as a waiting room. Friendly organisations on the island came to the rescue and helped to repair it, great!
Unenforceable asylum laws
In the Netherlands, the Council of Ministers on 7 March approved Minister Faber’s two asylum laws. The ‘asylum emergency measures act’, a collection of tightened asylum policies, and the reintroduction of the dual status system are highly controversial. Besides the Council of State and the Judicial Council, the Ombudsman and the Children’s Ombudsman, who advised in clear terms against the introduction of the laws, the implementing bodies, the IND and the judiciary, are also making themselves heard. Besides the violation of many people’s rights, they warn of the practical problems the new laws will create. They are impracticable, and will lead to an even more gridlocked asylum system. Minister Faber is already allocating 115 million euros to deal with the predicted implementation problems. With that amount, we could provide about 115 years of healthcare to thousands of people on the move….
Admissible
On 11 March, the judge considered whether the lawsuit we filed together with Amnesty International and Defence for Children against the Dutch state is admissible. We hold the state responsible for the consequences of the 2016 EU-Turkey deal. The deal trapped tens of thousands of people in degrading conditions on the Greek islands. The Dutch state claims a leading role in the creation and implementation of the deal, but rejects any responsibility for the consequences. The deal brought indescribable suffering. While governments look away, Boat Refugee Foundation continues to provide people on the move with essential medical and psychological care. Verdict follows on 28 May.
Unrest
15 March marked 14 years since the outbreak of war in Syria. Fourteen years of violence, fear and destruction. Millions fled. Hopes for peace after the fall of the Assad regime last December have now been overtaken by the new, violent reality. In the refugee camp on Lesbos, we see the consequences of the ‘freezing’ of asylum claims by Syrians. Going back is not a safe option for now. Thus, Syrians are stuck in camps in Greece with no prospect of going back, or moving on.
Hopeful news
Fortunately, we can also share some hopeful news: the highest court in Greece has invalidated a ministerial decision that Turkey is a safe country. At issue are people fleeing from Syria and Afghanistan, among others. Turkey offers them no protection, threatening to deport them to their country of origin. The court banned sending them back to Turkey without trial, as the minister wanted.
And on 22 March, over 15,000 people took to the streets in Amsterdam for a country without racism and discrimination. A country for all, where everyone who is here, or seeks protection here, is safe. We too stand for a world where everyone is safe, free and equal. Justice, humanity and equality are central to our work and in the care we provide to people on the move.
We are supported in this by our many donors, volunteers and other supporters. Your support makes a difference – because we can only do it together.
Support our work here 🙏.