Europe’s refugee crisis - Where is our moral outrage?

EUROPE’S policy — our policy — on asylum seekers is a moral and political failure. It may, in time, become the catalyst for terrible social division. In time it will certainly be ranked among the great inhumanities the rich and secure inflicted on the destitute and powerless.

In an Irish context this has been confirmed by the Oireachtas Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions which yesterday reported that our direct provision system for asylum seekers is not fit for purpose and must be replaced.

In a wider European context the escalating death toll amongst refugees trying to escape tyranny by crossing the Mediterranean by any means confirms this breakdown of ethics. Thousands have already lost their lives trying to do no more than strive for even a sliver of the security and comfort we all demand and take for granted.