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Human Rights Watch
Director of the Refugee Program at Human Rights Watch
PROFILE
Bill Frelick
Guest
FROM Bill Frelick
To the Point
A Migration Deal…a Compromise in Values? Countries of Europe are desperate to end the flood of immigration from Syria and other war zones, which last year exceeded a million people. They're making a deal with Turkey worth €6 billion. Tens of thousands of people would be shipped back and forth between Greece, Turkey and other countries to separate refugees from unwanted migrants. But the UN warns the plan might violate individual rights established by the Geneva Conventions in the aftermath World War II. Supporters say it's worth the risk to end the chaos -- and to prevent fascist parties from taking advantage of growing panic in Europe's democracies.
To the Point
Is the US Breaking a Promise to Children at Risk? Tens of thousands of children face murderous street gangs, extortion and sexual violence in Central America. For those whose parents are legally in this country, President Obama pledged " an orderly alternative " to the terrifying journey through Mexico. But until they pass laborious screening, including DNA testing, they have to stay where they are — whatever the dangers might be. It's been a year since the President promised escape. Some 5400 kids have applied, but only 90 kids have even been interviewed. None has been admitted to the United States.
To the Point
Europe's Migrant Crisis: The EU's Greatest Test Yet Last week's discovery of 71 bodies in an abandoned truck in Austria is just the latest tragic proof that Europe's migration crisis has broadened from the Mediterranean to human trafficking over land through Greece and the Balkan states. Tens of thousands of migrants and refugees are putting their lives in the hands of smugglers, taking advantage of the EU's open borders. With record numbers of people fleeing war and poverty in North Africa and the Middle East, Europe is facing its largest immigration wave since World War II. The EU plans to meet next month to address the mounting crisis and its scattered policy towards asylum seekers. Will it be able to agree on a unified course of action on how to treat migrants and asylum seekers? What to do about a growing backlash against them?
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To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
To the Point
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?