In the middle of the corona crisis, another acute problem almost disappears: Thousands of people are still in a precarious situation on the Turkish-Greek border. In addition, the overcrowded refugee camps in Greece are also threatened by a corona outbreak with devastating consequences. We must not leave these people alone and must help them despite - or perhaps because of - the closed external borders of the EU.
Reports from the EU refugee camps on Lesvos show how quickly people there need help. Even without the Corona crisis, urgent action is needed. Now the virus has arrived on Lesbos. It is impossible for the people there to follow the hygiene recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
"In some areas of Camp Moria on Lesvos there is only one water tap for 1,300 inhabitants and soap is not available. (...) Families of five or six must sleep in an area of only three square metres. It is simply impossible for them to follow the recommended measures and to wash their hands regularly and keep their distance from others".
The Greek state speaks of 42 500 people who are stuck on the Greek islands. There could be more to come, as asylum applications are still being accepted at the EU's external border, writes the ARD-Tagesschau. How things will continue from there is unclear at the moment, because at least Germany is currently not accepting any more asylum seekers.
peripheral nations on their own
Only last week Germany, together with six other countries, had declared its willingness to do so, take in a total of 1600 children and other vulnerable refugees. Switzerland no longer allows refugees to cross its borders because "asylum seekers can submit their application in Italy without any problems and do not have to cross the border to do so", said Minister of Justice Karin Keller-Sutter. The asylum seekers are therefore stuck in the peripheral states for the time being.
At the same time, children and pregnant women in particular need to be cared for quickly and well. They make up a large part of thosestranded in sub-zero temperatures on the Greek border. They need urgent medical attention. Children live in makeshift barracks and tents instead of being in school and a safe home.
Refugees as a plaything
The mainly Syrian refugees on the Turkish-Greek border were from the beginning the plaything of politics. after negotiations, Turkish President Erdogan lets more or less desperate people march on and the EU seems to bow to pressure. Nevertheless, the flow of refugees is currently slowing down again.
The question is how long, because it seems that political relations decide whether this will remain so. Without further ado, the EU refugee camps could soon fill up again. That is another reason why the situation urgently needs to be improved!
High time for worthy solutions
There is great solidarity among the Swiss population and in Europe. But it must not stop at the EU's external border. The people in the refugee camps urgently need help and must not be forgotten in the midst of their own restrictions.
Furthermore, it is high time for a humanitarian and dignified European refugee policy. People fleeing from violence and war must not become the plaything of politics and need special protection.
