“What we have seen stranded on the beach is not the body of a dead child but humanity’s honour”

A new tragedy has been added to the endless crisis in Syria which results in millions of refugees striving for a better life in Europe. A picture taken on a beach in Bodrum on 2 September 2015 reminded us of the cold reality of the drama which continues in Syria for over 4 years.

With its accumulation of experience and expertise since its establishment in 1965 as well as its capacity to produce new ideas regarding our Turkey’s integration process with Europe, IKV believes that it is its duty as a civil society organisation to deplore this atrocity. We believe that what we have seen stranded on the beach is not the body of a dead child but humanity’s honour. We invite all parties to find effective solutions to this tragedy which has affected deeply human history.

It is obvious that solutions to this tragedy endured by the refugees should be searched at the international level. There are Members States within the EU such as Germany and Sweden which showed a constructive approach in accepting new refugees in their own country. On the other hand, many countries have failed to take their responsibilities in finding solutions to the refugee crisis and have shown an attitude that is not only in contradiction with the EU’s principle of solidarity but also against all human values.

Furthermore, all EU Member States should adopt policies in line with the principle of common responsibility. Moreover, it is of utmost importance to reinforce the rules regarding the acceptance of refugees within the framework of the Schengen regulations, to increase the financial sources for the migration policy, and to embrace a more realistic approach in devising a migration policy that takes into account humanitarian concerns and EU’s ageing population.

On the other hand, it is critical that common solutions to the Syrian crisis are also sought within the framework of regional organisations such as the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to which oil rich countries are also members. It is essential that global institutions such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees are rendered more effective and better equipped by its member states.  All countries should have as a common priority to find a concrete solution to this crisis and act immediately.

Ayhan ZEYTİNOĞLU

IKV Chairman