It’s a statement of fact: white lives matter more
We’ve become desensitised to the plight of the Global South.
I’m sure you’ll appreciate why I’ve been a little nervous to write this…
The troubling issue of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been top of mind since Putin launched his ‘special operation’ on 24 February.
The flagrant disregard of Ukraine’s sovereignty has captured the world’s attention and unified a multitude of countries in response to the villainous deeds of a dictator.
The outpouring of support has been heartening; the images of destruction, devastation and death, harrowing.
While it is absolutely right that we do all we can to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine (that is undisputable), the overwhelming public response has left me a little troubled. Troubled because, at heart, it underscores a very uncomfortable truth.
Questions
Before I proceed, let me be clear: what follows is not an argument against humanitarian support for Ukraine. That is not, and never will be, a position I hold. What it does do is raise questions — questions over why there are differential responses to international crises.
We live in a world of constant conflicts and crises. Some affect us more than others, some garner more political and media attention and some spur us to action. The question is, why?
The past five weeks have given pause for thought. I’ve been left with a troubling sense that some in the Global North have become desensitised to the plight of those living in certain parts of the world. Desensitised to the plight of those that don’t look like them.
On 15 March, an email dropped into my inbox. It was titled ‘A Syrian refugee’s take on Ukraine’ and featured a personal reflection on European countries’ outpouring of support for Ukrainian refugees. ‘Why did we have to freeze in the forest?’, Ibrahim, the writer asks, recounting his experience caught up in political tensions between the EU and Belarus.
It’s a good question.
‘Why are bombs falling on Ukraine more important than bombs falling on Syria?, Ibrahim asks.
Another good question.
The New Humanitarian, which published the piece, has been keeping the focus on other humanitarian disasters that warrant uproar, action and support. But will they?
The answer is ‘no’. And the uncomfortable reason why is that white lives matter more than any other. The reason for stating this is not to be divisive but to lay bare the roots of what we’re seeing unfold.
Every refugee matters. Each one deserves our humanity, concern and care.
