You can only implement this policy by dehumanizing people.” In a single sentence, Aron encapsulates the reality—not only of the camp on Lesbos but also of what people experience on their journey there and their lives afterward. In a world of “they’re all criminals” and “applause for the strictest asylum policy ever.” In the harrowing reality of a camp on an island with so many children, broken sanitation, and people crammed into various types of tents/boxes. Knowing the lives of people who have behind them a path often filled with horrific reasons for fleeing, traumatizing experiences along the way (including rape by police and other violence), and a life-threatening boat trip. And ahead of them lies a continent that no longer sees them as human.
Aron, 25, a human rights lawyer in training, and I walk through the camp in the rain. Aron greets people kindly each time, always making genuine contact. Human to human. Endless rows of white, house-like structures and large tents, one of which has been converted into separate units. By the number of slippers at the doors, you can see how many people are trying to live in small spaces.
I have witnessed so much suffering in this world; it never becomes normal. Especially here, where it is evident that politicians and others deliberately deny these people a fair chance. They are left to drown at sea, perish in the desert, or be beaten to death along the way, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience us. We read reports that almost nonchalantly mention Frontex’s success, stating “they are no longer coming,” followed by a half-sentence about human rights, ignoring the realities of drowning, pushbacks, and torture. This disregards the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling that systematic pushbacks are occurring and must not continue.
What I find difficult is that in many other countries facing terrible situations, there was usually still hope, as in “when the war is over, then…” or “now that we are doing this, then…”. But in this context, that prospect is absent. These people, just like you and me, are here now, dreaming of moving forward, but we know all too well what awaits them.
So, is everything we do here merely cosmetic? No! Because it must be done! It is inhumane not to act; otherwise, we completely surrender people to the horrors and power fanatics. But no one holds the magic wand that will finally teach everyone in this world that we are all human. It’s not much more complicated than that. I find this realization to be the most shocking every time.
There is so much to tell… so much to do. That will all come.
For now, never forget: no matter where someone comes from, no matter how different he or she is, at the core, we are all equal. We all seek happiness. And truly, there is no rule that one person has more right to it than another. Never.