The European migrant crisis is arguably one of the most serious challenges since the Second World War. But while Germany, and to a lesser extent France, have shown strong leadership in their approach to the crisis, other EU countries have given an appalling response to the issue. 

In a recent joint statement, the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia said that “any proposal leading to [the] introduction of [a] mandatory and permanent quota for solidarity measures would be unacceptable.”

Hungary, which has contributed to the suffering of refugees in its poor handling of the situation, is already constructing a fence on its border with Serbia aimed at keeping them out.

Others have taken a less direct approach. The Danish government, which is opposed to accepting refugees in the current crisis, has tried to discourage migrants from crossing its borders by placing advertisements in Lebanese media.

Here in Ireland, the response has not been adequate, as the Government sends out conflicting messages on its plans to support the refugees. But the biggest disappointment has been the United Kingdom, which is opposed to any form of quota for resettling refugees.

Although the UK said it plans to accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees between now and 2020 directly from camps in the Middle East, Metro Éireann urges the British government, and all other leaders across the continent, to accept those who have travelled thousands of kilometres to find sanctuary.

Westminster must also understand that the crisis is partly of its own making. Britain and the US encouraged the Syrian opposition to go to war against President Bashar al-Assad’s government, and when they did, both western powers withdrew their support, citing lack of trust. This, in addition to Libya after Gadaffi and deep-rooted conflict elsewhere in Africa, is the main cause of the crisis. The least we in the west can do is take in those escaping the trouble we’ve caused.