Blog #4 Syrians Seeking Asylum

Brittany Brooks
10/4/13
3:52
Currently many Syrians are trying to escape Syria and are seeking asylums in Britain. Today, Friday, a migrant association in northern France said that several dozen Syrians were in standoff with security forces in the French port of Calais. Two of the Syrian men were threatening to jump off the ferry terminal roof in a protest effort to receive their asylum request in Britain. Galisson, who is the coordinator of migrant services, said that about 60 Syrians who had fled the conflict in Syria, have been occupying a gangway at the Calais ferry terminal.When the police were told to put an end to this is when it when south and the men were threatening to jump. After these threats the police retreated and attempted to negotiate with these men when the British border officials were on their way to help find a resolution. Mr. Galisson made the comment, "they have not had a warm welcome into France and so would prefer to go to Britain." These men from Syria had been living in an abandoned storage place until they were evicted by the French police. They feel as though the French have treated them horribly and have been harassing them instead of helping them find a solution. It could take up to 18 months to receive an asylum in France but only half the time in Britain. Many Syrian men, women, and children are traveling to neighboring countries trying to find refugees and get the help that they need.
After all that the people in Syria have had to face and what they are still currently facing, why are neighboring countries rejecting those in need. It seemed like the United Nations was currently trying to come up with a solution to the Syria problem but instead I feel like it is getting worse. Where is the aid money that has been collected for those effected by this tragedy? Is it being used in ways that can be truly helpful to those that need it. Although some Syrians that have escaped and gone to other countries may be using force and violence, that could be changed if they felt as though they were welcomed and that countries wanted to help get them to safety. These people have hit a point of desperation. Is Britain going to reach out and help those effected by the hostility of France? Are countries going to step in and really try to help make the changes that need to be made or just hope someone else does it? Syria, and the people of Syria need the world's help. Who will do it?

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/world/europe/syrians-asylum.html?ref=syria&_r=0