Introduction
“The influx of refugees and asylum seekers must be stopped.”
This controversial proposition, which is increasingly emerging in the European political landscape, raises fundamental questions about the nature of our society and the values we cherish.
The gap between refugees and asylum seekers on the one hand and the supporters of the radical right on the other was once aptly expressed by Ernst Ferstl, an Austrian writer:
“There are too many refugees, people say. There are too few people, say the refugees.”
This statement exposes the core of the problem: a lack of empathy and understanding. While some speak of refugees as an abstract, overwhelming “mass,” they forget that these are individuals, often with heartbreaking stories of loss and survival.
Ignoring the essence of reception and asylum
The radical right’s call to halt the influx of refugees misses a number of essential points.
First, refugees are often victims of circumstances that not only justify their choice to flee, but also make it necessary. War, persecution, and extreme poverty are not choices, but harsh realities.
Second, the attitude of the radical right seems to suggest that the Netherlands – and by extension Europe – has no responsibility in the reception of people who seek refuge from injustice and danger. This vision is at odds with the founding principles of humanism and international solidarity, values that are deeply rooted in European culture and history.
What borders?
Moreover, when we talk about “borders”, we must also ask ourselves what limits we are willing to set for our humanity and compassion.
Is rejecting those in need a line we are willing to cross?
History has shown all too often that closing borders to the most vulnerable among us can lead to tragic consequences.
Compassion, justice, human dignity
It is crucial that we have this discussion with an open heart and an open mind.
This is not just about making policy, but about affirming our identity as a society that stands for compassion, justice and human dignity.
Let us not forget that ‘too few people‘, as the refugees say, is a call to humanity – something that can never be too much to ask.
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