Is regrettable, but not surprising.

(ES)

According to 2010 data from the IMF, GDP (PPP) in millions of international dollars of EU was 15,150,667, compared to that of Liberia that was 1709. Since this is an indicator of living standards, we can conclude that living in EU is 8,865 times better than living in Liberia. Is regrettable, but not surprising.

According to UNHCR, May 3, 2011, in Liberia there are still 160,000 refugees from Cote d'Ivoire who fled the recent violence that took place in the country after the presidential election in November 2010. And still arriving at a rate of 250 refugees a day.
In Duekoue, west of Cote d'Ivoire, 27,000 people are crowded into a Catholic church. In 15 other locations west of the country also, thousands of refugees living with host families begin to run out of resources, and remain with only one meal a day.

In the words of the High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, "Liberia is in a very difficult situation and has opened its borders to refugees. On a recent visit, I saw Liberians giving rice seeds to refugees. Liberia is in a complex situation of transition from war to peace and democracy and once again we see generosity. "

According to UNHCR, since the conflict began in Libya, have fled the violence more than 740,000 people, mainly to Tunisia (356 000) and Egypt (270,000).

To the shores of Italy and Malta have reached 12,360 refugees from Libya, less than half of those who crowded into a Catholic church in Duekoue.

The EU response is a proposal to amend the Schengen Treaty, strengthening the external borders and restricting the free movement between European States in exceptional circumstances.

The journey of those who flee violence is never without its dangers. Thousands die in the attempt, mostly women and children, the most vulnerable in any conflict. When NATO and the EU are accused for refusing aid and the terrible conditions in which it gives shelter to migrants from North Africa, I can only think that from the EU, the message they want to give African countries is very clear:
"We are only interested in your natural resources, which are the source of our wealth. We do not want you on our soil and we will do everything possible to dissuade you, although bombed your homes."

Liberia receives 4.5 times more refugees from Cote d'Ivoire than the EU from North Africa, but is 8,865 times poorer. An example of generosity and solidarity.

In the words of Guterres:

"One aspect of migrations that is often overlooked is the contribution of the nations that share borders with countries in conflict."
"Often these countries are already in poverty, insecurity and risk of further instability. They need international assistance to help them support the refugees and displaced populations. "
"The world has to show to Tunisia, Egypt and Liberia the same solidarity that these countries have shown toward the refugees."
"Is the answer to the most lucid Western world's interest, that revolutions succeed and affirm democratic societies."

I've never been a supporter of figures, because they reduce human life to a simple number. And no life, and no death, deserve to be remembered as one more number of a conflict.
If I had to summarize the feeling I get from European action in conflicts in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire, I can only think of two words: shame and indignation.

Here's another reason for outrage, and as Stéphane Hessel would say: Indignez-vous!


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