EPM PREPARATION #3 “REFUGEES IN EUROPE – EUROPE ‘VS.’ THE REST: CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE?” EUROPEAN STUDENTS’ FORUM
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SYRIA? MARCH 2011 – Prodemocracy protests erupted in the southern city of Deraa after the arrest and torture of some teenagers who painted revolutionary slogans on a school wall. The unrest triggered nationwide protests demanding President Assad’s resignation. AEGEE-EUROPE / EUROPEAN STUDENTS' FORUM
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SYRIA? JULY 2011 – The government’s use of force to crush the dissent merely hardened the protesters’ resolve. Opposition supporters began to take up arms, first to defend themselves and then to expel security forces from local areas. 2012 – The country descended into a civil war as rebel brigades were formed to battle government forces for control of cities, towns and the countryside. The fight reached the capital Damascus and second city of Syria Aleppo. AEGEE-EUROPE / EUROPEAN STUDENTS' FORUM
WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN SYRIA?
On websites as syria.liveuamap.com you can check what is happening in Syria day by day.
AEGEE-EUROPE / EUROPEAN STUDENTS' FORUM
WHY ARE THEY FLEEING? •
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The Syrian conflict doesn’t seem to lead to an end soon. Refugees usually stay in neighbouring countries hoping to come back home. Now they’re hopeless to see their dream come true, so they choose to flee. Living as a refugee in a neighbouring country is intolerable for many Syrians. They can’t work there and are facing increasing poverty.
AEGEE-EUROPE / EUROPEAN STUDENTS' FORUM
WHY ARE THEY FLEEING?
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International aid for refugees isn’t adequate and the neighbouring countries with the largest amount of refugees are implementing increasing restrictions. Children are outside of any educational system for too long. Many girls are being forced into an early marriage, which is another survival mechanism.
AEGEE-EUROPE / EUROPEAN STUDENTS' FORUM
WHY ARE THEY FLEEING? The media presentation of a Europe eager to welcome refugees gives them the hope to find a place to live safely and to have access to work and education. This hope is one of the reasons why they leave their region and undertake a dangerous and expensive trip to Europe, seeking shelter and a chance to build up their lives.
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