Novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah has criticized the way that Europe treats migrants and refugees. He argued that people immigrating to Europe have a lot to contribute to their host societies and should receive a warm welcome.
Gurnah told the KNA news agency that in order to limit migration numbers, people are being criminalized. He said that a wrong message was being communicated by treating people this way — one of further alienation and exclusion of immigrants.
He added that on the contrary, migrants and refugees should receive a warmer welcome, as many of them are talented, young and full of energy. "They come because they want to make a difference, because they want to get a chance to make something of their lives," he said.
Europe needs to do more
The 73-year-old author said it was a "human duty" to help those who have had to leave their homeland due to war and persecution.
"It's like when someone stands before us injured," he explained in the interview with KNA. He added that Germany had done its share to assist refugees and migrants, hinting at the government's decision to let refugees enter the country in 2015 and 2016, when over a million people came to Germany.
"Nevertheless, refugees in Europe do not receive enough support," Gurnah criticized.
"In other countries, like the UK, the government is relentless in putting as many hurdles as possible in the way of newcomers," the Nobel laureate said in reference to recent changes in British law, which penalize irregular arrivals.
with KNA