During the plenary session of the second Ordinary Convention, the resolution of the migration issue has been approved unanimously, taking into consideration the recent radical developments. The resolution has been drafted by the Miltos Kyrkos, Member of the European Parliament. Giorgos Tsaousis, Coordinator of the Migration Policy sector, communicated the resolution to the audience.
It is high time for the government to form a clear view, on how it will handle the refugee crisis, especially in a period when our worst fears and predictions come true. It is time for the government to assume its responsibilities within the country, but also undertake the necessary international initiatives. One thing is for granted; the contradictory statements made by the government and the secretariat of SYRIZA, about the presence of NATO in the Aegean, do not help us form a clear view.
Demonstrating its responsibility and sensitivity on issues related with migration and refugees, To Potami submits its proposals, once again. To Potami considers that we are getting close to a point with no return at a fast pace, because of the 9-month governmental inertia, and the weakness of the European Union to implement the decisions made by the Council and the European Commission.
Supporting the direct implementation of the decisions made by the Council, we think that the relocation of refugees is the only way that they are supposed to exit Greece. In any case, if the situation remains unchanged, then shutting the borders in West Balkan countries is inevitable. We need to restore refugee’s trust, so that they will remain in reception centers. What is absolutely necessary is the implementation of decisions for the relocation from European countries – with priority to those that are willing to participate. It is time for Greece to demand European solidarity, since the substantial step of registration has been taken. Yet, this step has been taken after eight months of delay, which put an extra burden to local societies, especially those on our islands. This delay could lead to a disaster.
Our proposals can be resumed in three parts:
A. Action in Greece
1. Appointment of a National Coordinator, who will be reporting directly to the Prime Minister. This person will be in charge of all services, involved in the migration issues, under the state of emergency.
2. Establishment of a National Action Committee, for the legalization of the National Coordinator, with the participation of experts from political parties and representatives from state institutions and local communities.
3. Intensification of the efforts to broaden the function of hot spots, for the registration and identification of refugees.
B. International action
1. Support the effort of NATO for action in the Aegean, in order to tackle “smuggling and illegal migration”. Call for the acceleration of the establishment of Border and Coastguard.
2. Convening an international conference, in Athens, of the countries that wish and can receive refugees immediately, through relocation.
3. Acceleration of the implementation of the new deal for the readmission of third countries citizens, with Turkey. If Turkey refuses to cooperate- through NATO -, its refusal must signal the direct and definitive halting of negotiations with the European Union, on visa and several transactions.
4. Demand for the materialization of all terms of the recent deal reached between the European Union and Turkey on migration.
C. Action in the civil society and the local regions.
Since governments have reported this delay in giving a solution to the refugee crisis and the humanitarian crisis is already knocking on our door, the Europe of solidarity and active citizens need to give answers. Prominent mayors and district governors must undertake the initiative to establish a task force, which will materialize the campaign described below:
1. We call all European citizens’ organizations and local societies to participate in the major program of adoption of refugees. The image of the young boy holding a bag, walking alone on the street, must become our haunting nightmare. An image that we will never have to witness again.
2. We urge the civil society to host, through the relocation mechanism, 100, or even 10 refugees, for as long as they will not be able to return to their homes. We already promote the numerous successful initiatives of European organizations of citizens, major and district governors, encouraging all those adopting European values to participate and embrace refugees.
3. We urge major European media and citizens’ social media to spread the message of this effort. The “#hugthemnotdrownthem” hashtag must become the first European “#”.
4. We also urge European famous people to take part in this effort, encouraging their fellow citizens and governments to help, in any way they can. In the meantime, companies are urged to contribute proving with shelter and food, through social responsibility acts.
