Rescuing refugees by recovering humanity

In terms of the European Union’s insistence on the value of being generous to refugees, it’s worth remembering that the final movement of Beethoven’s ninth is the EU’s national anthem, and that the goal of achieving peace via inclusiveness was the motive for the creation of European Union. The British people who voted for Brexit could take notice, so too the East European governments, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic which refuse to admit asylum seekers. 

Pop and folk musicians have long held visions of a world which encourages respect for a sovereignty of people as opposed to a selfish, go-it-alone patriotism. John Lennon imagined, ‘…all the people living life in peace.’ Then he requested, ‘I hope some-day you’ll join us, And the world will be as one.’

Despite such utopian visions, dark corners of cruelty persist: vindictiveness to refugees, the brutal proxy wars in Syria, indifference to the appalling punishment imposed on citizens of Gaza, let alone the cruel famine in Yemen.

Recovering humanity

How will the public and politicians respond? Bob Dylan’s, ‘How many time must a man look up and pretend that he just doesn’t see?’, needs to be answered.

One of the most telling answers came from the French diplomat, author, activist Stephane Hessel who at the age of ninety-one wrote the pithy best seller, ‘Indignez Vous’ - ‘Be Outraged.’ Regarding  cruelty towards refugees, in particular Palestinians, Hessel argued that those who were not outraged by such injustice had lost touch with their humanity.

Speaking the musical, poetic and artistic language of humanity can rescue refugees provided that policies flow from such language. If hearts are to be opened and values changed, the words have to be spoken, the music needs to be heard.

In Europe, the leaders of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic need to learn that language, so too do the indifferent, money rich but values poor Arab states of the Middle East.

Sudden dismay over pictures of children washed up on beaches after drowning in the Mediterranean will not be enough to craft a human rights response to the massive task of finding homes and safety for refugees. But Bertrand Russell, that inspiring philosopher, social activist and Nobel Laureate did have an aspirin-like prescription to raise hopes, defy bullies and envisage a world-wide common good. He urged, ‘Remember humanity and forget the rest.’