Outrage over the Syrian Refugee Crisis is growing–and for good reason

Since 2011, the Syrian people have been living in constant fear. The Syrian Civil War began with uprisings against the harsh government under President Bashar al-Assad. Throughout this entire conflict, many Syrians have been fleeing their home country and migrating to neighboring countries, as well as countries all over Europe. Not only are these poor people being forced to leave their homes to protect themselves, but they are facing serious dangers on their journey to freedom.  CNN reported that over 2,8oo refugees have died or disappeared on their journey to Europe so far this year. The danger migrants face as well as the way that these refugees are being treated is simply unacceptable.

The outrage caused by a photo of Aylan Kurdi, a young Syrian boy whose body had washed up on a Turkish beach after his boat to safety capsized has brought so much needed attention to the horrors refugees go through every day, from their dangerous journey out of Syria to wherever they are able to get to safety. Many countries have been welcoming refugees with very few limitations, but as the conflict resumes, more and more countries are closing their doors and harshly denying refugees assistance.

The United States response to the refugee crisis is embarrassing. A country of our size and power with the amount of resources we have should welcome refugees with open arms. Instead, we are limiting the number of refugees that will trickle in to America to way below what is necessary. Some European countries, such as Sweden, have been steadily welcoming Syrian refugees for years, and are even offering permanent residence to them.

Al Jazeera America, an up and coming American news source, reported that the German government has pledged to take in close to 1 million refugees just this year. The American pledge of 85,000 refugees this year is sad in comparison. Secretary of State John Kerry’s response to the outcry over the low number of refugees being given asylum was the lack of money provided for resettlement by Congress, as well as intense screening that was put in place after 9/11. America is not the only country having problems with the refugee crisis, however.

CNN reported that Hungary, which is a main entrance point for many desperate refugees, has built a fence on its Serbian border, in an attempt to block out migrants from crossing into the country. Hungarian police have used tear gas and water cannons on refugee crowds which includes the elderly and children. This incredibly inhumane treatment needs to be stopped immediately. Syrians at the Hungarian-Serbian border are rightfully frustrated with the mistreatment they are being given by the Hungarian government, and they are behaving as anyone would under the unbelievably stressful situation they’re in. The closure of the border in itself is ridiculous, but the use of barbed wire fences just makes the situation worse.

The use of excessive force on refugees who left their own country due to harsh violence and terror is despicable. In our own country, we are pretty much ignoring the problem and forcing other countries to handle it alone. This is a global issue that deserves worldwide attention and it should be a joint effort for all countries that have the financial stability and space to help house refugees. The way these people are being treated is unacceptable. We are all human beings and we all deserve the same amount of help and respect as everyone else.

These people are in desperate need of our help, and many countries are turning a blind eye to the situation as a whole and not offering asylum or residence. Major powers such as the United States should follow the lead of countries like Germany and Sweden and take some initiative to help these people.

As Americans, who believe in freedom and equality for all, we should be one of the places that is setting up refugee centers and taking in those who need protection and shelter. If we promise it to our people, why can’t we provide it for those who need it more than us?