Racism still the migration obstacle

Mar 30, 2016

So vaguely, we see how much we must apply ourselves to win the battle against racism madness.

By Simon Mone

There is something hugely depressing about the current migration hullabaloo. Racism! Colour of eyes, spiritual affiliation and all, are seemingly conspiring to upset the comfort of some immigrant-hosting countries. It is not migration alone.

Even on sports pitches and inside some conference halls, racism continues to show an ugly face. Racial discrimination is real.

Now current migration problems have thrown up a big talking point. And we see some world leaders being exposed by their unacceptable ethnic remarks. Rampant spate of harassment, attacks and ill-treatment of migrants is making headlines for wrong reasons, leaving victims scratching their hair off to seek answers.

That is why there are frantic calls for leaders to come out and be seen doing something. Be among the solution. So that attacks against new arrivals stop.

And that hate speeches from distinguished world leaders can end. And initiative such as a day to commemorate racial discrimination has attempted to provide some answers. But these answers have helped not so much.

So vaguely, we see how much we must apply ourselves to win the battle against racism madness.

Discrimination is now the biggest obstacle to resettlement of migrants. We must deal with it. Start attempts to solve this problem. For now what looks like something easy has turned cryptic.

Nations have no doubt come a long way in trying to ensure that everyone enjoys equal rights and is not discriminated against. New laws have been adopted. Institutions have been established to promote and protect rights of minority communities.

Civil Society Organizations continue to work towards eliminating racism. Even churches continue to proclaim principles of love for one another.

Just like the holy book says. But unfortunately, some church leaders, whom followers run to for solace have occasionally been caught wrong footed, and many reasons can be found to explain this, including yours.

Instead of walking the talk to maintain church expectations, several leaders have terribly let themselves down. And have betrayed principles for which churches operate. So trusting leaders by their followers remains on shaky grounds.

Therefore, these enough efforts come not without limitations. If they weren't limited, there wouldn't be increase in cases of racist views and hate-driven violence. Not with indiscriminate border closers in order to leave desperate people stranded.

Not with multitude migrants that are trapped and staring at hopelessness. Because migrants lack answers, deepening humanitarian crises are poised to return no nice solutions but will instead spiral out of hand. Large migrant crowds will continue to knock at those elite gates and climb fences to get salvation. So let us be among the answers. To begin it, here are some talking points: First and foremost, relax all border closures.

Second, treat migrants with respect. Don't let out tear gas on them. Instead, keep it secure for other uses. And encourage coexistence and differences. Third, welcome all new arrivals and give them needed basic amenities.

Fourth, continuously educate and train people with the aim of changing their thoughts on racial differences. Reach out to a wider spectrum of age groups and professionals. By making good use of social media, you will rally our point home.

Attract community and church leaders that they too, may contribute to solving migration unknowns. These are essential steps in unblocking migration obstacles and delivering sustainable solutions.

Ultimately, what we would like to see is an end to racism. It shouldn't be allowed space in our global village. All these definitely require more resources. But who says it wouldn't? As you can see, it is robbing resources.

 Yet we need these resources to renew commitments to development aid. Surely, the SDGs will be denied. Throw weights behind solutions!

The writer is a civil engineer

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