Low-cost solutions to Afghanistan's displacement crisis

(Baonghean.vn) - This problem can be solved right in Afghanistan, with a few simple and inexpensive measures.

2015 will be remembered as the year of mass migration from Asia and Africa to Europe. So far, an estimated 424,000 migrants have reached European shores, compared to 219,000 in the whole of 2014.

Some 2,748 migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year. The real figure is thought to be much higher. While exact figures are hard to come by, it is estimated that of the 424,000, 36% are Afghans.

The perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe for migrants. Photo: Reuters.

The Afghan migration to Europe is largely made up of the younger generation. While most of the international media has cited security reasons behind the migration of Afghan youth to the continent, the reality is quite different. Afghanistan has had security problems for the past 35 years, and the mass migration of Afghan youth to Europe is largely driven by economic reasons.

With the overthrow of the Taliban and the establishment of a democratic government under President Hamid Karzai with NATO support, Afghanistan entered a period of rapid economic and social development. Although the economy grew at double-digit rates, this was largely driven by the huge sums of money that the United States invested in Afghanistan’s reconstruction through contracts. At the same time, millions of young Afghans began studying in schools around the world, on scholarships funded by the United States, the European Union (EU) and India.

Afghanistan's economic problems began with the withdrawal of NATO troops and investment. Over the past decade, the Afghan government has failed to create a functioning and diversified economy.

Now, as foreign aid and construction and transport contracts dwindle, the economy is in a deep recession. The resulting unemployment has fueled widespread frustration among Afghanistan’s newly educated generation. These young people feel that widespread unemployment at home is keeping them from reaching their full potential, so they see migration to Europe as their best hope for a better life.

The Afghan journey to Europe often begins on the dusty roads of the country’s provincial and district capitals, where migrants meet smugglers and make their first payment, often in small installments during the often treacherous journey through Iran, followed by days of walking to Turkey.

In Istanbul, smugglers often hide migrants in basements until it is time to travel to Europe by land or sea. Some migrants choose to board small boats off the western coast of Turkey to reach Greek islands. Others decide to travel overland into Greece or Bulgaria, often hiding under trucks or trains.

The final destination for most is Hungary or the rest of the EU’s Schengen area. The average Afghan migrant costs more than $6,000 for the journey. Many sell land, homes and other assets to pay smugglers. As a result, when they are caught, they are reluctant to return to Afghanistan, where they have nothing.

The long-term solution to Afghanistan’s migration problem is to increase (non-military) economic aid to the country. Afghanistan’s newly educated generation needs jobs. If organic economic growth can be achieved here, with new employment opportunities, it is unlikely that young Afghans will make the risky journey to Europe. Europe would be better off spending money on Afghans while they are at home than when they arrive on the continent.

In the short term, European governments should fund documentaries and advertisements warning Afghans of the dangers of illegal travel to Europe. In many cases, Afghans report that smugglers deceive them, painting a picture of a glamorous life in Europe, promising a short and easy journey.

If Afghans considering emigration were informed of the difficulties and dangers of doing so, many would change their minds. However, once they have started the arduous journey, they are unlikely to return, having sold all their assets in the country.

Another short-term solution to Afghanistan’s migration problem is to target the human trafficking chain. These people have become very adept at evading the laws and authorities of many countries on their way to Europe. They need to be identified and prosecuted for the dangerous criminals they are, because they put the lives of innocent families at risk.

With a coordinated intelligence campaign supported by the international community, traffickers can be easily identified. Interpol can play an effective role in the arrest and extradition of these transnational criminals.

While the 2015 migration crisis seems incredibly challenging, there are simple and low-cost solutions. A few commercials and documentaries could change the minds of a segment of Afghans. In the long term, a more comprehensive economic plan that creates jobs would certainly discourage many from making the journey. The EU should tackle the problem where it starts, in Afghanistan. By the time migrants reach Europe, it is too late.

Thu Giang

(According to Diplomat)