Do you remember the last time you saw someone thirsty on a hot day and offered them a cool glass of water? It is a simple act of kindness that comes naturally to most of us. Yet, in some parts of Europe, offering that same glass of water to a migrant could land you in jail. In Europe, a dark trend has emerged where basic human decency is criminalized, casting a shadow on the principles of compassion and solidarity at the heart of the European Union.

It is important to remember that in Europe, people on the move face dire circumstances, enduring border violence and prolonged suffering that strip away their dignity. Forced to make perilous journeys, often under trains or on boats, their choice is born out of desperate necessity to escape conditions worse than the challenges ahead, holding on to the hope of finding a sanctuary to rebuild their shattered lives. As difficult as these choices are, the alternatives are even more harrowing. 

Consider this scenario: a volunteer, driven by empathy and a commitment to human rights, offers water, food, or shelter to migrants in need. They then face harassment, legal persecution, and even imprisonment. This disturbing trend not only obstructs humanitarian work but also challenges our very shared humanity. As an activist deeply involved in supporting those on the move, I have witnessed first-hand the consequences faced by individuals and organizations who, driven by empathy and a commitment to human rights, find themselves entangled in legal battles over providing the most basic necessities – water, food, and shelter.

As European countries have closed their borders and anti-immigrant sentiments have gained momentum, governments began actively obstructing humanitarian work, claiming it encouraged illegal border crossings. What begins as a movement to support vulnerable individuals searching for safety often transforms into a struggle against accusations of encouraging illegal immigration. Supplies are confiscated, arbitrary restrictions are imposed, and charges are filed against volunteers for “encouraging illegal immigration.”

In 2018, the Spanish government shocked the humanitarian community by charging 12 aid workers with being affiliated with criminal organizations and human trafficking for their work in the Spanish exclaves of Melilla and Ceuta (bordering Morocco). These charges, widely criticized by human rights groups, were eventually dropped. Yet the episode highlights a disturbing trend: acts of kindness being transformed into criminal offenses.

In 2019, a group of activists in Greece faced charges of smuggling and “facilitating illegal entry” for assisting migrants in reaching the Greek islands. While the charges were also eventually dropped, the legal and financial toll on these activists raises questions about the cost of compassion in a Europe that has become increasingly hostile to those seeking refuge. 

Such charges are clearly designed to discourage such compassion, even if they do not end in conviction. But that is not to say that charges are never carried through. In 2020, a French aid worker found herself sentenced to 18 months in prison for “aiding and abetting illegal immigration” after helping a group of migrants at the French border. 

As volunteers, we are frequently subjected to harassment and surveillance from local authorities. Police follow us, monitor our work, and frequently demand that we cease our activities. They have even gone as far as raiding supply centers and confiscating resources meant for migrants. The overall impact of these practices is chilling. Volunteers live in fear of retaliation, causing some to refrain from some areas of work or leave the field entirely. With fewer resources and aid workers, it is migrants themselves who suffer the consequences.

Despite the risks, most solidarity movements continue to refuse to stand by while people suffer and even lose their lives due to the harsh policies of “Fortress Europe.” Our guiding principle is simple: water, food, and shelter are basic human rights, regardless of one’s legal status.

The distressing reality faced by volunteers and activists on the frontlines is often overshadowed by the broader political discourse. Laws framed under the pretext of “protecting national security” or “preventing illegal immigration” are used as tools to suppress compassion and humanitarianism. These laws are not only a threat to individuals and organizations committed to aiding migrants, but they also represent a broader danger to the fabric of our societies. 

The notion that providing basic human necessities like food and water to someone in need could be construed as a criminal act is deeply concerning. Challenging these laws becomes imperative to uphold human rights principles and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive society. By exposing the distressing realities faced by activists, volunteers, and NGOs, we aim to prompt a collective reflection on the direction our societies are heading. Citizens and policymakers alike must stand up for migrant rights and oppose policies that prioritize control over compassion. Evidence indicates that humanitarian assistance does not lead to increased migration but instead serves as a lifeline for those fleeing violence and poverty.

The stories of activists, volunteers, and NGOs persevering in offering aid despite adversities

serve as beacons of hope in these trying times. Raising awareness and standing up for what is morally just can illuminate the shadows that shroud humanitarian efforts in Europe. Together, we possess the power to construct a more compassionate and inclusive society, where the fundamental principles of human solidarity are promoted, not criminalization.

In a world where providing water to thirsty migrants becomes a crime, it is our collective responsibility to redefine the narrative and reaffirm our commitment to the values that should bind us all – compassion, empathy, and the recognition of the inherent dignity of every human being.