Refugees: the myths and the fears
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By Lindsey Hilsum
I’ve received more abuse on Twitter while covering the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe than any other story I’ve reported. That’s made me wonder about the potency of certain myths and fears that anger and worry a lot of people. So let me try to clear up some confusion.
1. ‘They’re not refugees. They’re economic migrants.’
In the last three weeks on the road in Europe, about 80 per cent of those I’ve met have been Syrians. I’ve also met Iraqis, Afghans, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Senegalese. The Syrians are fleeing war – no question. Bangladeshis and Senegalese are probably in search of a better life because of poverty and lack of opportunity at home. With others it’s more complex. Continuing conflict in parts of Afghanistan and Iraq has made normal life impossible for many, but definitions blur. If you’re a young man whose father was killed in a car bomb in Baghdad and who cannot find work to support your mother and sisters, are you a refugee or an economi...
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