Build up to the European Youth Event in May

By Admin on April 18, 2016 • ( 1 )

In the build up to the EYE event 2016, members in the group researched and wrote presentations on topical issues in Europe including the European Union, Refugee camps and Migration in Europe. The result was a collection of factual, opinionated and resourceful journalism written by young people about Europe, for Young People.

Lily Parsons expressing her views on refugees

Abbie Reeves expressing her views on how refugees are treated

European Union – Naima

The EU was set up with the aim of ending the frequent and bloody wars between neighbours, which came to an end with world war two.
In 1950 the European coal and steel community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace.
The union was founded on the first of November 1993 in Maastricht, Netherlands.
It was founded by France, Denmark, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy, Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
It’s headquarters are located in the city of Brussels, Belgium.
The Union is made up of 28 states including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, republic of Cyprus, Czech republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
The unions flag is blue and has 12 yellow stars in a circle in the middle.
The unemployment rate is 9.6% as of April 2015 and its population is estimated at 508 million.

Refugee camps – Claudia

Refugee camps, why are they here? I mean, how did they come about?

Well… Here’s how…

Nobody knows.

But here’s a few theories about how they came about:

Perhaps the Roma people whom travelled across Eastern Europe settling for a short period of time then moving on around the continent.

Or maybe the Mongolian shepherds who moved their livestock and subsequently their livelihood and homes from one area to another.

Maybe none of these things can explain the origins of Refugee camps.

But… Refugee camps do have a big impact… Especially the European ones. Which is what I’ll be talking about today.

Refugee camps are, for the most part, set up and supported by the EU. To help those whom are living in crisis whom have the fled from their homes in order to find sanctuary in another part of the world.

What is the impact they have on us within the European Union?

Here’s a few examples

There are numerous Stereotypes. If you perhaps are from a different ethical background and live in a European country not as a refugee, you could be looked down upon and seen in some cases as a ‘smuggler’. This is a real issue as people who are legally bound and are allowed to be in a country are being repudiated against because of their background.

Jobs and employment is another issue, as refugees are becoming more integrated into society, more jobs are being filled, creating a job crisis leaving many unemployed or out of work.

So…

What could be done to reduce the number of refugee camps?

-well for one, we can continue to send over essentials like food, water and aid like tents, warm clothing and medical supplies.

We can also provide an educational system to teach refugees English, a national language of their inhabited country and literacy skills. To bring them out of the fear of being unskilled individuals.

-Reduce stigmas around terrorism and threats. This could be done by everybody being able to know just how much these people need the sanctuary.

Everybody deserves a peaceful life; not a problematic one surrounded by hatred. Together we can reduce the stigma and educate these refugees and provide them a peaceful solution and place to live.

This problem won’t go away.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Migration of people in Europe – Lily

Crisis

After 4 years of conflict in Syria, over 200,000 people killed.
It’s estimated 4 million people have fled Syria, mostly into Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.
The push factors for the Syrians are coming to England are that:
The refugee camps are becoming over crowded; there are no jobs and no money.
They have seen others successfully make the journey and be rehomed in European countries
Most are welcomed in Germany and are able to seek refugee there
Around 473,887 people have reached Europe by sea in 2015 according to the International Organisation for Migration.
Data shows that around 52,200 people were detected crossing in or out of the boarders illegally. Of these 38% were Syrian, 36% Afghan then the rest Iraqis, Pakistanis and African.
France registered 14,685 claims of asylum seekers in April- June 2015

What’s being done?

In September, EU ministers voted by a majority to relocate 160,000 refugees EU-wide, but for now the plan will only apply to those who are in Italy and Greece.

The UK has opted out of any plans for a quota system but, according to Home Office figures, 1,000 Syrian refugees we resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme in 2015. Prime Minister David Cameron has said the UK will accept up to 20,000 refugees from Syria over the next five years.

Lasting effects?

Many people are risking their lives to cross the boarders and travel overseas illegally to get there.
Around 3,770 migrants were reported dead trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2015.
But the most migrants have died crossing from North Africa to Italy.
Countries are becoming much more crowded
Strain on health care (NHS) there are lots of injuries cause whilst travelling
Pressure on housing
Wages can go down and jobs may be lost because migrants are willing to work for less money
Language barriers
Racist/ethnic tension

The EYE 2016 countdown!

Something I’m excited about is…

Seeing the group engage in all the new experiences and having an amazing time!
Gaining new knowledge about young people from across Europe
Meeting new people, sharing experiences and seeing the European Parliament
Finding out more about Mental health services and learning how European parliament works
Meeting young refugees
Making a change and being proactive