In a world where “one in every 113 people have been forced to flee their homes because of war or persecution“, and while we are facing the inexorable and growing phenomenon of refugees who, let us not forget, flee their country to survive, this World Refugee Day (20 June) takes a particularly symbolic turn this year.

On 17 June, the 629 people saved by the Aquarius, the vessel of the association SOS-Mediterranee, finally arrived at the port of Valencia. After Italy and Malta’s refusals and France’s silence, Spain agreed to welcome the migrants and put an end to their painful maritime odyssey. It has once again shown the division that exists within the European Union on the issue of welcoming the refugees.

This week, the United States was once again confronted with the harsh migration policy of its President. The “zero tolerance” policy advocated by Donald Trump plunged into absolute distress 2,342 immigrant children who were separated from their parents. The images shot in the detention centres where they were placed caused a great stir. Initially, Trump said that the Congress was the only one that could resolve this situation. But many voices have risen to denounce this injustice and it finally led the American president to sign a decree on Wednesday, June 20, which allows the children to stay with their parents. However, families will remain locked up until a judge reviews their cases.

This was the proof that citizen mobilization can reverse the trend and influence inhuman policies, even if the road is still long…

To see our previous weekly editorials on international news, take a look here!