refugee crisis

Our View: Symbolism vs. substance in refugee crisis

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Our View: Symbolism vs. substance in refugee crisis

President Nikos Christodoulides described Thursday’s visit to Lebanon with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as a “historic day.” Von der Leyen announced a financial package of €1 billion over the next three years to strengthen Lebanon politically and economically, with a focus on controlling migration. The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the EU to come up with a “radical” solution for the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. Despite the optimistic declarations, it is doubtful that the understanding reached would have the desired results.

On a Greek island, volunteers remake burial site for refugees lost at sea

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On a Greek island, volunteers remake burial site for refugees lost at sea

A group of volunteers on the Greek island of Lesbos transformed an abandoned burial ground into a proper cemetery for asylum-seekers who died trying to reach Europe. They uncovered and counted graves, replacing the old mounds with cement graves topped with white pebbles. The project was led by Fabiola Velasquez, who wanted to create a place where those who lost their lives seeking refuge in Europe could be remembered. Lesbos was a key location during Europe’s refugee crisis in 2015, with many people drowning in the perilous sea crossing from Turkey. The team identified 197 graves, but the number is expected to increase as many of the dead have never been identified.