Clive Myrie’s article showcases that the issue of migration is not a new phenomenon and that viable solutions can be found with some effort and goodwill (The world can solve this migration crisis. A more humane approach is the answer, 10 September). The individuals leaving Africa for Europe today, where many tragically lose their lives in the Mediterranean, share the same motivation that I had over 20 years ago – poverty and a lack of opportunities. Africa has become synonymous with corrupt governance, as leaders propped up by western powers have become a permanent fixture on the continent. Poor leadership perpetuates unemployment and poverty, ultimately leading to both legal and illegal migration.
Let’s examine three countries in central Africa. According to the World Bank, over 52.5% of the population in Congo-Brazzaville live below the international extreme poverty line, while in Equatorial Guinea the poverty rate exceeds 70%, and more than 45% of the population in Cameroon live on less than $3.20 a day. The leaders of these nations have a combined age of over 250 years and have collectively held power for over 123 years. Despite being blessed with rich natural resources, their leaders have accumulated vast wealth hidden away in European banks and tax havens, while their citizens suffer in poverty.
If Europe truly wants to address the issue of migration, especially illegal migration, it must compel African governments to establish effective political leadership structures. By promoting good governance and investing in skills and education in Africa, Europe can also benefit from highly skilled individuals from these nations who can fill skill shortages. It’s a mutually beneficial situation. In the absence of strong leadership in Africa, foreign aid and other half-hearted policies serve as mere band-aids that fail to address the root causes. With good governance in Africa, millions of us who were once young migrants over two decades ago can look forward to returning to our home countries upon retirement.
Asu Ashu
Aveley, Essex
It is astonishing that the EU and Britain lack logical policies on migration and labor. It is illogical that asylum seekers and migrants are not granted temporary work permits, while others are given seasonal or five-year contracts. Their labor and tax contributions would significantly offset any claims that they are living off the state.
Employment, no matter how humble, restores dignity, empowers individuals to take control of their lives, and allows them to forge their own paths. Studies on the resilience of migrants and refugees have demonstrated this.
In the meantime, engaging in constructive discussions and promoting economic development in countries of origin can help reduce the flow of forced migration and distinguish genuine refugees from those who are victims of trafficking. It is time to stop demonizing migrants and refugees and prevent this issue from being manipulated by hate-mongers for political gain.
Angela Raven-Roberts
Kidlington, Oxfordshire
Kudos to Clive Myrie for advocating a coordinated and compassionate global approach to the migration crisis and highlighting climate change as a primary driver of displacement. However, it is disappointing that the G20 leaders’ declaration, to which Rishi Sunak was a signatory, lacks substantive proposals on these matters in its lengthy 40 pages of finely crafted platitudes.
Richard Yelland
Chambourcy, France
In his excellent article advocating a more compassionate approach to mass migration, Clive Myrie highlights the opportunity to discuss this issue at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Unfortunately, it has been reported that Rishi Sunak will be the first British prime minister in over a decade not to attend this annual event.
Michael Clayton
Emneth, Norfolk
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