Stopping the Tide: Is a Closed Mediterranean Border Feasible and Ethical?
There is a persistent debate surrounding the closure of borders in the Mediterranean to stem the flow of migrants, particularly those fleeing from conflict zones such as Syria and dealing with dire economic conditions in North and Central Africa.
The Humanitarian Perspective
One compelling argument is the ethical imperative to protect individuals fleeing persecution, war, and economic hardship. As a global community, it is our responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of these individuals over political expediency. The term 'migrant' often carries connotations of choice and freedom, which does not accurately reflect the plight of many seeking asylum. They are, in reality, refugees driven by necessity and trauma.
Consider the following quote from a perspective strongly advocating for human rights:
We must stop wars and the myriad of excuses for war so that families do not have to flee from the bombs of our own making. We are sick and tired of war, of deaths, of the injured. It is not enough! Why not provide humanitarian aid directly to the sources of this crisis, such as Syria, and support sustainable economic development in countries like Libya and the Sahel region?
The Feasibility of Closing Borders
While the concept of closing borders may seem logical in principle, the practicalities are profoundly challenging. Greece, in particular, faces significant obstacles in implementing such a measure. The majority of the migrants enter Greece through the Aegean Sea via small, flimsy boats, a journey fraught with danger.
Current Situation
Images from the Greek island of Samos and coastguards equipped with border patrol missions highlight the complexity of maritime borders in the Mediterranean. It is impossible to physically close a sea border, as demonstrated by the following images:
A border crossing from the Greek island of Samos to the Turkish coast, where the sea acts as the demarcation line.
Photographs of the coastguard ships involved in patrols underscore the limited ability of these vessels to intervene and manage the flow of migrants effectively.
Humanitarian and Security Concerns
The proposal of physically bumping or steering migrants' boats away goes against the principles of humane treatment and human rights. Attempting to eject migrants through direct force would be considered inhumane and a violation of international law.
A more practical long-term solution might be to address the root causes of the crisis. Achieving this requires concerted global efforts to end conflicts, provide sustainable economic development, and ensure that basic needs such as food and security are met:
To bring about lasting change, we must prioritize the crises at their source—Syria, Libya, and other vulnerable countries in North and Central Africa. We must also ensure that any efforts to promote freedom and democracy are accompanied by access to essential resources and peace, which means security rather than the idealized notion of peace that often prevails in Western nations.
Regionally, an example from Libya illustrates the stark difference between dictatorial stability and chaotic anarchy:
On the left is peace and bread under a dictator. On the right is freedom, but death at the hands of un-elected warlords, all supported by western democracies, while struggling for the bare necessities.
The preference for stability and security over idealized notions of freedom and democracy is a critical consideration.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Greece cannot feasibly impose a closed border, and the rest of the European Union is not currently willing to commit additional resources to border enforcement. This reality necessitates a strategic shift toward facilitating the integration of migrants into countries such as Germany, where they can be better supported by already-established social and economic systems.
Efforts should focus on humanitarian assistance and sustainable development, addressing the root causes of migration to prevent it before it starts. As the following statement emphasizes:
When addressing the crisis in the Mediterranean, we must prioritize ending the crisis in Syria and supporting sustainable economic development in Africa. Freedom and democracy must be coupled with the ability to provide basic necessities and security.