In this context, international actors and wealthier
states need to take greater responsibility,
particularly in terms of making sure that the
governments and organizations tasked with
assisting refugees are adequately resourced so
to do: “We cannot wait to properly resource the
UN until it’s a crisis on the tv screens that finally
prompts governments to actually do something.
There are so many crises that aren’t on the tv
screens. Now there’s money being pumped
into the crisis in Syria, but how many other
displacements are taking place across the planet?
UNHCR is getting resources because of Syria, but
so many others are in need as well.”
The need for increased resources was also brought
up by Vandevoordt, who said that although
the Belgian government has put much effort in
providing at least minimal services – for example
by installing emergency reception centers in
cooperation with the army, local communities
and holiday centers – most refugees in these
centers are living in poor conditions. “In these
centers, many tasks are fulfilled by volunteers or
social assistants who have little work experience,
resources and time available.” In the French
camps of Calais and Dunkerque, the situation is
even worse, and humanitarian organizations have
sounded alarm bells about the inhumane situation
in which people are living, and the inadequacy of
resources. “This is of course becoming an even
more urgent concern given the worsening weather
conditions, which are inducing health problems
and horrible hygiene conditions.”
In many countries the flawed response by the
government – and, according to Vandevoordt,
depictions of the human suffering in the media,
such as the photo of the little boy Aylan – has led
to indignation a