“If Europe fails on the question of refugees, its close connection with universal civil rights will be destroyed”, stated German chancellor Angela Merkel, as she took the lead in what is said to be the largest wave of refugees fleeing to Europe since World War II.
The crisis was highlighted in Europe several days ago when 71 decomposing bodies of migrants were found inside a truck on an Austrian highway. Amidst a flood of controversy in the EU, with opinions rooted in everything from imperialist hypocrisy to compassionate hearts, Merkel’s open door policy has become a role model for many.
Here are just a few examples:
Protesters demonstrate with a banner ‘Refugees welcome!’ in Dresden, eastern Germany, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015. A refugee shelter was attacked by far-right protesters in Heidenau near Dresden over the last weekend. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
The Gillard Government made a commitment in 2010 to release all children from immigration detention by June 2011, but still 1000 children languish in the harsh environment of immigration camps around Australia. The Refugee Action Collective organised a protest on July 9, 2011 outside the Melbourne Immigration Transit accommodation which is used for the detention of unaccompanied minors.
Protesters demonstrate with a banner ‘Refugees welcome!’ in Dresden, eastern Germany, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015. A refugee shelter was attacked by far-right protesters in Heidenau near Dresden over the last weekend. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)
