What Refugees Bring When They Run for Their Lives

Two ids (passport and driver's licence), some cash and two debit cards from two different countries, because the world is already globalized and modern, you like it or not. At least this is what I took intuitively when the 25th April earthquake struck my room in Kathmandu. All other my possessions were of least importance.

What followed? Did you have family who were affected alongside you?

I've been spending a lot of time lately reflecting on all the things I've taken for granted through my life, and the lack or loss of a safe and secure home is one of the things I would never wish upon anyone.

It looks like most people took pills with them, while the pharmacist did not. I'm a pharmacist and I would not take any. Maybe the sample size is too small for me to say this, but it seems that laymen overestimate the power of medicine.

"humanizing" in a weird way. Which is good.

I strongly believe most refugees should get help where they come from but making sure they are treated like humans when they arrive can only help I think.

I'm risking getting downvoted to oblivion here, but as an EU citizen I strongly believe that the core reason we have this crisis in the first place (as opposed to something controlled) is nonexistent border protection from southern countries like Italy, Greece. Never have I heard of them employing border patrols to veer off illegal boats.

I am by no means denying the need for help for actual war victims, if I could say that, but current situation not only allows for, but actually encourages everyone seeking "better life" (and having financial means to do that) to come over. We call those [economic] immigrants and have rules. Now its wild west. And in the news reports I usually see people toying with iPhone 5/6 and wearing [designer] jeans/jackets. These may not even be the majority and quite probably a lot of those people are with a pair of shoes, some clothing and a mobile phone and food for a week is not included in the list of possessions.

I am all for growing a pair and actually declaring what is a war zone. Working with UN/NATO to establish a peace there. We (EU first, UN later) can and should establish "refugee camps" and TEMPORARILY accept people fleeing from previously declared war zones. After the conflict has been resolved, the very same refugees should be helped to get back to their homes. For everyone else we have rather clear rules on how immigration works. Because unless we do that fast we are sending the signal that EU is accepting everyone, giving homes and income. And in several years the crisis will be unmanageable. Oh, and do not think that USA is the other end of the world - you are already struggling with illegal immigrants from the south. Now just imagine the effect if whole countries decided it was worth a shot at least attempting to "find better life"?