"Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights: these are the core values of the EU."
This quote is from the website of the European Union. In other words: the EU has failed its own core values.
This morning I was reached by the news that refugees on Lesvos and other islands in the Aegian, are being deported (ok, "shipped"...) to the mainland or back to Turkey. This may, probably will, change my plans going to Lesvos. The 50,000 refugees might not be there when I arrive on Friday. Instead I am looking for other alternatives such as staying in Athens and help in the port, go to Idomeni to help at the barbed wired fences or find a camp on the mainland, such the one in Ritsona (a tiny village with about 300 residents and little support from organizations or financial support), an hour north of Athens.
Everything has changed - apart from the people who are trapped in a game of chess between Europe and Turkey. They still flee war, terror and misery.
They haven't changed.
Everyone else has.
