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Editorials

Refugee crisis presents a humanitarian paradox

BMJ 2016; 355 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i5412 (Published 10 October 2016) Cite this as: BMJ 2016;355:i5412

Rapid Response:

Re: Refugee crisis presents a humanitarian paradox

European Frontex accuses NGOs of collusion with people smugglers who bring immigrants into Europe. [1][2]
The same smugglers have been responsible for more than 4,700 deaths at sea, in the past year alone. [3][4][5]
Some benefactors might consider to channel their philanthropic donations elsewhere, if NGOs are actually cooperating with illegal smugglers.
References
[1] http://www.statewatch.org/news/2016/dec/eu-vs-ngos.html
[2] https://www.ft.com/content/3e6b6450-c1f7-11e6-9bca-2b93a6856354
[3] http://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-348664-deat...
[4] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/refugee-crisis-migrants-a...
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/people-smuggler-behind-700...

Competing interests: No competing interests

20 January 2017
Stavros Saripanidis
Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Thessaloniki, Greece