We'll see where this post is going because I don't have a specific point in my head yet...
The snapshot of the post above is somehow relevant, specifically regarding the idea that the people who have everything they need might not necessarily understand the emotions that those whose rights are violated and are denied basic human rights have as they persevere through their lives against all the oppression and fear that they face in their everyday's lives. So it is fairly easy for them to say: "[...] But we have been doing something to help already. Isn't this better than nothing?" when they do the bare minimum (in policy or some work context).
Over the past few weeks, I've noticed on a few occasions where my classmates, who are from privileged backgrounds - white middle-class Europeans, would comment something of a similar nature to what I wrote above. (I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in international humanitarian action).
One example was when we were discussing the neutrality aspect that the humanitarian organisations need to respect, due to their principles, even though they might be witnessing obvious atrocities against innocent civilians. I understand that in some situations if they speak up about the unjust things that they witness, they would lose access to the affected populations, but maybe there are ways that they can still speak up (?)
Then one European student said something along the lines of: "But maybe we could look at all the positive things that they have done, and not just focus on the negative sides. Would you rather not get any assistance at all?"
This notion sounds a bit familiar to me. It's like a threat that if we speak up or question their action, we won't get any support anymore. They think we are so strongly dependent on them, which to me sounds very colonial.
On another occasion, we were discussing the migration situation happening at the border between Thailand and Myanmar, and someone commented that maybe the migrants fleeing between the Thailand/Myanmar border should feel a bit better about their situations because other people in other countries have it worse...
At that time, I wondered how one could think of being grateful to be suppressed "a bit less" compared to other nations. Like are they supposed to just accept the injustice, rather than advocating for their basic human rights? I don't understand their point...
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