While the Criminalization of Solidarity Continues,
at SolidarityNow we are asking for a Welcoming Europe
At the #WelcomingEurope Campaign every Signature Counts!
Learn more and sign the petition here.
by Melina Dunham, intern at SolidarityNow’s Advocacy Unit
As people continue to arrive in Europe’s shores, volunteers, locals, and NGOs have stepped in to help where national authorities have struggled and fallen short. Unfortunately, governments across the region have been vilifying these acts of compassion and kindness instead of sustaining them. This is neither what all citizens stand for neither the Europe they believe in.
To address this worrying trend, 170 civil society organizations united and put forth the first European Citizen’s Initiative (ECI) campaign that deals with migration. This specific ECI, #WelcomingEurope, is looking to combat the arrestation, fining, and intimidation of humanitarian assistants and volunteers, which fall under the umbrella of the criminalization of solidarity. ECIs are democratic tools that encourage political participation by allowing citizens to propose legislative changes to the European Commission. There is a sincere relationship between contributing to an ECI and provoking concrete policy reform. All nationals eligible to vote can sign a campaign. To be successful, 1 million signatures must be gathered with minimum thresholds reached in at least 7 countries, after which Brussels must examine the recommendations and respond. Managed through an official and well-regulated process, there is a guarantee that signatures do not get ‘lost’ on a page or website.
Greece has a profound stake in this demand to reclaim the right to help. As a frontline state in the migration route, the needs for humanitarian support and intervention are immense. While ensuring safe and dignified migration is espoused as a policy priority, this is not reflected in the reality. Not only do refugees endure severe injustices, but Greek Authorities are increasingly targeting those who have come to help, claiming that NGOs and volunteers disrupt operations and fail to collaborate. This does not warrant arrestation and #WelcomingEurope is an important part of ensuring effective future relations between State and non-State actors.
There have been approximately 80 cases, but two recent instances received particular attention. In 2016, three Spanish firefighters and two Danish volunteers were charged with illegally bringing migrants to Greece. It was only this May (2018) that they were finally cleared of their “wrongdoings”. This August (2018), Sean Binder of Germany and Syrian National Sarah Mardini – heralded as a hero for saving a boat of 18 people in 2015 – were re-arrested with charges of human trafficking and espionage. Evidently, the lines between humanitarian intervention and criminal activity are being politically and legally blurred, both as a deterrent strategy and a ploy for governments seeking to fuel the regional trends of nationalism. This manipulation is exactly what this ECI seeks to address. #WelcomingEurope is a demand for safety, solidarity, and justice.
This intimidation has practical implications for the situation on the frontlines, none of which include the intended deterrent effects; removing volunteers does not mean that refugees will stop coming. Rather, it means that more people are likely to drown while crossing and are less likely to be welcomed by volunteers and locals providing food and dry clothes when they land on the shores.
Cases are emerging across Europe, even in States minimally affected by migration. Hungary is a primary case, where under the purview of Prime Minister Orban, a series of laws criminalizing individuals and NGOS offering help to migrants was set in to motion. This fear tactic has also been used in Italy and France, other key points along the migrant route, where nationals and foreigners alike.
#WelcomingEurope is important and urgent. European Parliamentary elections take place in May and we must capitalize on this next major opportunity to address migration policies. In December 2018, Sean and Sara were released on bail– both a moment to celebrate and reiterate that they should not have been there in the first place. With a successful campaign, the political pressure will be significant. ECIs are instrumental in demands of change and representation and #WelcomingEurope holds incredible symbolic power and potential. As European citizens, it is important that we sustain and encourage its momentum, because ultimately- every signature counts! Sign the petition here.