dw.com
Undefined Borders Expose Refugees, Greece Aims for Gallium Monopoly
Unresolved border disputes between Greece and Turkey leave refugees vulnerable, as highlighted by a new Forensis map, while Greece plans to become the EU's sole gallium supplier by 2028.
- How does the lack of official border demarcation in the Evros River region affect humanitarian aid and legal proceedings?
- The undefined Greece-Turkey border, established in 1923, is exploited to deny refugee rights, according to researcher Stefanos Levridis of Forensis. Forensis, using historical maps, created a digital map defining the border, but this map lacks official recognition from either Greece or Turkey. This highlights the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ambiguous border situation.
- What are the immediate consequences of the undefined Greece-Turkey border on refugees' access to essential resources and legal protections?
- A Greek-German NGO, Forensis, revealed that unresolved border disputes between Greece and Turkey leave refugees vulnerable. The European Court of Human Rights issued provisional measures against Greece in March 2022, mandating aid for asylum seekers stranded on an islet in the Evros River, contingent upon the islet's ownership. This uncertainty highlights the lack of officially defined borders in the area.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of the unresolved border issue on regional stability and international relations concerning refugee rights?
- Forensis's proposed border resolution could impact future refugee protection and potentially initiate legal disputes between Greece and Turkey. The ambiguity allows for the continued exploitation of vulnerable groups. The lack of clear borders necessitates international cooperation to address the humanitarian challenges and establish a legal framework for asylum seekers.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on the plight of refugees caught in the undefined border zone. While highlighting a significant human rights issue, this might overshadow other aspects of the Greece-Turkey border dispute, such as its historical context or broader political implications. The headline, "To whom does the islet belong?", immediately establishes the core issue of border ambiguity, setting the stage for the ensuing discussion.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "perplexing" when describing the border situation, and the choice to prominently feature the refugee experience might subtly influence reader perception, potentially understating the political dimension of the dispute.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the legal ambiguity surrounding the Greece-Turkey border and its impact on refugees, but omits discussion of broader geopolitical factors influencing the situation. While acknowledging space constraints is valid, the absence of alternative perspectives on the border dispute itself could limit reader understanding.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't exhibit overt gender bias. However, a more detailed analysis of gender representation within the refugee population or among the individuals involved in the border dispute could enhance the report's inclusivity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the work of Forensis, an NGO, in clarifying the undefined Greece-Turkey border. This directly contributes to peace and justice by addressing a source of conflict and potential human rights violations affecting refugees. The clarification of the border could prevent future incidents where refugees are left stranded in no-man's-land, leading to improved protection and respect for their rights.