IT started as part of the Arab Spring. People Power ignited in 2011 in a number of Arab states as enlightened populations sought change, democracy and more freedom.
In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad was not in the mood for a soft-glove approach to the peaceful protests that sought three things: political reforms, reinstatement of civil rights and an end to the state of emergency imposed since 1963. Al-Assad succeeded his father Hafez, who ruled Syria for 30 years until 2000.
The violent response of the Assad regime brought about the Syrian Civil War that has left more than 220,000 dead, half of them civilians. Other than the rising death toll, a far bigger problem has ensued: mass displacement. Four million people crossed the borders, while 7.6 million are internally displaced. In total, 12.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of the war in Syria.
The number is staggering, and if the photos could speak, these should be screaming through everyone’s conscience: a dead child washed ashore, men climbing over barbed wires and mothers with children running for their lives while being chased by border guards.
Along with refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan, the influx of people from Syria wanting to find decency in living, education for their children and freedom from violence has reached a crisis level that the rest of the world cannot simply ignore.
The United Nations has its hands tied because as media focuses their attention on the Arab refugees, it has to address as well other refugees including Palestinians (4.8 million), Somalis (700,000), Congolese (456,000), Myamarese (407,000), Colombians (390,000) and Sudanese (370,000).
While films romanticize the lives of refugees, the horrors and fears of those affected are in real time. Powerful statements and heated debates in august halls and press conferences can help. But more important than lip service is tending to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the helpless in ground zero.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared, “Refugees have been deprived of their homes, but they must not be deprived of their futures.” If I may add, refugees must not be denied of the present.
As we commend the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and volunteers for doing their best to address the plight of refugees, let us call upon governments to give relief to the displaced through food, housing, work, education and public assistance, among others.
At the same time, we continue to call upon leaders such as President Bashar al-Assad to look deeper into their hearts so fear, hopelessness and suffering will cease for the multitude. Should these despots maintain their violent course; then the international community must thrust the sword of justice to put an end to barbarity and restore peace.