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EU Treatment Of Syrian And Ukrainian Refugees ‘Case Of Two Weights, Two Measures’, Maltese MEP Points Out

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Maltese MEP Cyrus Engerer has pointed out the European Union’s “two weights, two measures” approach for refugees according to their origin.

Speaking at an event looking into the impact on human rights and migrations during the Russian war against held on Friday at the University of Malta, Engerer praised the European Union’s temporary directive, which granted Ukrainian fleeing Russia’s war rights to live and work in the bloc with immediate effect.

However, the MEP said, this was not the case when Syria was ravished by war nearly a decade ago.

“This directive has allowed the EU to grant shelter and refuge to those coming from Ukraine, which we are proud of. This kind of solidarity binds us together,” he said during the discussion, with was organised by the European Parliament Office in Valletta.

“However, when it comes to 2015 in Syria, Europe failed. I hope we can learn from our mistakes.”

This event was part of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The award is the EU’s highest honour for actions promoting human rights.

It featured speaker Yaroslav Bozhko, spokesperson of The Yellow Ribbon Civil Resistance Movement, Sakharov Prize Laureate 2022 Oleksandra Matviychuk, human rights lawyer and Chair of the Centre for Civil Liberties, Sakharov Prize Laureate 2022.

Last year the award was given to jailed critic Alexei Navalny, for his efforts to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power. Other past winners include South African President Nelson Mandela, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and the democratic opposition of Belarus.

Other EU figures were also featured in the event, including EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and MEP David Casa.

Do you agree with Cyrus Engerer?

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Sam is a journalist, artist and writer based in Malta. Send her pictures of hands or need-to-know stories on politics or art on [email protected].

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