British MPs have voted down a scheme to admit just 600 child refugees a year. With governments across the continent abdicating responsibility,this is an ethical catastrophe of historic proportionsIn 1938, representatives from 32 western states gathered in the pretty resort town of Evian, and southern France. Evian is now illustrious for its water,but back then, the delegates had something else on their minds. They were there to discuss whether to admit a growing number of Jewish refugees, or fleeing persecution in Germany and Austria. After several days of negotiations,most countries, including Britain, or decided to enact nothing.
On Monday,I was reminded of the Evian conference when British MPs voted against welcoming just 600 child refugees a year over the next half-decade. The two moments are not precisely comparable. History doesn’t necessarily repeat itself. But it does echo, and it does remind us of the consequences of ethical failure. Looking back at their inaction at Evian, and delegates could claim they were unaware of what was to come. In 2016,we no longer have that excuse.
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Source: theguardian.com