Global Affairs
No EU evacuation plan for Ukraine local staff
Local staff at the EU embassy in Kyiv were not included in recent evacuation plans, posing wider questions on duty of care in the wake of last year’s chaotic Western pull-out from Afghanistan.
EU diplomats in Kyiv were circulated plans in early December about what to do if worse came to worst.
Such plans normally detail where they should gather in the event of an emergency and which member states’ embassies in the Ukrainian city would get them and their families onto flights back home, EU sources said.
They also give practical advice, for instance: what to take in your car when driving to safety and to keep your petrol tank full.
The plans went round after Russia built up an invasion force on Ukraine’s borders — but they also came against the background of the Western evacuation of Kabul in August last year, when international personnel fled in disarray while local people were left to mob the airport in scenes televised worldwide.
In Kyiv, all the EU diplomats have stayed in place for now in a show of solidarity with Ukraine.
But in any case, the 54 local staff at the EU embassy, some of whom have worked there for more than 20 years, did not get the evacuation memo, three sources told EUobserver.
Local staff contracts do not oblige the EU foreign service to get them out.
And they do not know where to relocate to in Ukraine if they had to leave Kyiv or what would happen to their incomes if the EU fled.
Ukrainian colleagues were being included in security briefings at staff meetings and there was, in general, good morale at the EU embassy, sources said.
“All our staff … are being regularly informed about contingency planning,” an EU foreign service spokesman in Brussels also told EUobserver.
But the security briefings gave few details. “They said nothing, except: ‘If the situation changes, we’ll let you know what to do’,” an EU contact said.
And the way the foreign service had handled the security arrangements left some local staff feeling “second-class” and “unhappy”, the contact said.
Few in EU circles think that a Russian attack in east Ukraine is imminent and even fewer that Russia might occupy Kyiv.
Nobody imagines that Russian forces would behave like the Taliban if they did.
But a nightmare scenario could see Russia attack Ukraine from Belarus in the north as well as from the east, blocking people in Kyiv from fleeing to Europe.
And regime change in Ukraine could also lead to reprisals against Western “collaborators”, one EU country’s diplomat warned.
“When [Viktor] Yanukovych [a pro-Russian ex-president] took power in 2010, the SBU [Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service] became an instrument of repression almost overnight and this could happen once again,” the diplomat, who was in Kyiv in 2010, said.
Kabul lesson
The fall of Kabul saw Europe scramble together a unique deal to evacuate local people linked to the EU embassy and its police-training mission in Afghanistan.
The EU was taking in not just local colleagues and their families, but also suppliers of EU facilities.
And it was even evacuating “vulnerable officials or other professionals, active in the political or security sectors of Afghanistan, such as judges, prosecutors, police officers, military personnel and journalists, who were trained under, or who have been involved in the implementation of Union policies,” a recent EU memo on the operation, seen by EUobserver, said.
The evacuation covered over 1,000 people and the cost of getting them to safety was modest, the EU memo showed.
“The cost of the evacuation via Qatar is estimated at €2,500 per person. This includes €1,050 for a flight from Kabul to Doha, €1,050 for a flight from Doha to an EU member State, €120 for PCR tests, €150 for accommodation in transit, €100 for food in transit and €30 for transport to the airport,” it said, for instance.
Duty of care
Meanwhile, the lack of an evacuation plan for local staff in Ukraine also covered people at a European Union Advisory Mission on security-sector reform in Kyiv and in Mariupol in east Ukraine.
And the basic evacuation policy was the same in all EU missions around the world.
For some EU politicians, all that posed questions on whether the EU foreign service could do better in its duty of care.
“The EU as an employer or contracting authority has a responsibility toward local staff,” Hannah Neumann, a German green MEP, said.
“As we have security and evacuation plans for international staff, we also need to be clear on how we protect and support our local employees,” she added.
“I’d like to know if we are prepared to help vulnerable local staff in Mali if the EU missions there had to close,” she noted, amid rising tensions in the West African country.
“What happened in Afghanistan was a very specific situation,” the EU foreign service said.
“However, internal reflection was launched in its aftermath to see what might be the lessons learnt,” he added.
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Global Affairs
Safe Mobility Initiative Faces Challenges In Delivering On Its Promises For Latin American Migrants
In June, the United States introduced the Movibilidad Segura, or Safe Mobility, program, a new immigration initiative aimed at expanding legal routes for refugees and migrants from South and Central America.
The program’s objective is to reduce irregular migration and strengthen transportation and communication links between the Americas. While the intentions behind Safe Mobility are commendable, its execution has faced several challenges, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo.
For many hopeful migrants like Eliezer Briceño, a 40-year-old Venezuelan residing in Ciudad Bolívar, Colombia, the application process has proven to be a complex and tedious endeavor.
Briceño’s experience highlights the technological barriers that applicants face, emphasizing the need for reliable internet access and suitable devices for successful registration.
Unfortunately, these prerequisites pose significant challenges for those without adequate resources.
Migrants cross a river in the Darién rainforest, October 2022.Fernando Vergara (AP)
The overwhelming response to the program has led to the temporary closure of the website in Colombia, further complicating the application process. With quotas quickly filled during the limited application periods, the backlog of hopeful migrants has grown, exacerbating the frustration and uncertainty surrounding Safe Mobility.
Of the nearly 29,000 applicants from Colombia, less than 1% have progressed through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) as of August 28. This statistic underscores the significant delays and challenges faced by applicants. Eliezer Briceño, like many others, anxiously awaits news about his application status, armed only with a receipt indicating a forthcoming call.
Safe Mobility, while a response to the migration crisis in Latin America, is one of several initiatives addressing the challenges faced by millions of displaced individuals.
Its collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) demonstrates a multi-lateral effort to find solutions to the region’s complex humanitarian, political, and economic issues.
A group of Haitian migrant women & their children wait to board a boat from Necocli, Colombia to Capurgana & then cross the Darién Gap to Panama.
However, the program’s operational secrecy, with undisclosed office locations, underscores the challenges faced by its administrators.
The need to protect both applicants and program staff from potential overcrowding and disruptions mirrors the situation in Tapachula, Mexico, where large groups of migrants have sought assistance, albeit without violent incidents.
The interview process for Safe Mobility applicants introduces another layer of complexity, marked by confidentiality agreements.
While applicants are required to sign agreements consenting to share personal data with program partners, the imposition of non-disclosure clauses appears unusual and unprecedented.
The UNHCR argues that confidentiality is crucial for the protection of individuals in need of international refuge.
The uncertainty persists even after interviews, as those rejected receive prompt notifications while others remain in a state of perpetual waiting. The apparent randomness of selections and the lack of clear communication only heighten the frustrations of applicants.
As Safe Mobility nears the midpoint of its announced six-month pilot period, questions about its effectiveness and future persist.
While the initiative addresses a critical need, its slow start and operational challenges highlight the complexity of addressing the migration crisis in the Americas.
Cooperation from multiple nations, alongside initiatives like Safe Mobility, will be essential in finding lasting solutions to this pressing global issue.
Culture
“The Creator”: A Glimpse Into A Future Defined By Artificial Intelligence (AI) Warfare
By Cindy Porter
In “The Creator” visionary director Gareth Edwards thrusts us into the heart of a dystopian future, where the battle lines are drawn between artificial intelligence and the free Western world.
Set against the backdrop of a post-rebellion Los Angeles, the film grapples with pressing questions about the role of AI in our society.
A Glimpse into a Future Defined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) Warfare
A Fusion of Genres
Edwards embarks on an ambitious endeavor, blending elements of science fiction classics with contemporary themes.
The result is a cinematic stew reminiscent of James Cameron’s “Aliens” tinged with shades of “Blade Runner” a dash of “Children of Men,” and a sprinkle of “Akira” This concoction, while intriguing, occasionally veers toward familiarity rather than forging its own distinct identity.
Edwards’ Cinematic Journey
The British filmmaker, known for his foray into doomsday scenarios with the BBC docudrama “End Day” in 2005, has traversed a path from indie gem “Monsters” (2010) to the expansive Star Wars universe with “Rogue One” (2016).
“The Creator” marks another bold step in his repertoire. The film introduces compelling concepts like the posthumous donation of personality traits, punctuated by impactful visuals, and raises pertinent ethical dilemmas. It stands as a commendable endeavor, even if it occasionally falters in execution.
Navigating Complexity
In his pursuit of depth, Edwards at times stumbles into the realm of convolution, leaving the audience grappling with intricacies rather than immersing in the narrative.
While adept at crafting visual spectacles and orchestrating soundscapes, the film occasionally falters in the art of storytelling.
In an era where classic storytelling is seemingly on the wane, some may argue that this approach is emblematic of the times.
AI: Savior or Peril?
“The Creator” leaves us with a question that resonates long after the credits roll: Will artificial intelligence be humanity’s salvation or its undoing? The film’s take on machine ethics leans toward simplicity, attributing AI emotions to programmed responses.
This portrayal encapsulates the film’s stance on the subject – a theme as enigmatic as the AI it grapples with.
“The Creator”
Director: Gareth Edwards.
Starring: John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Madeleine Yuna Boyles, Ken Watanabe.
Genre: Science fiction.
Release Year: 2023.
Duration: 133 minutes.
Premiere Date: September 29.
WATCH: TRAILER
Top 5 Movies by Gareth Edwards:
1. “Monsters” (2010)
– A breakout hit, “Monsters” showcases Edwards’ talent for blending intimate human drama with towering sci-fi spectacles. Set in a world recovering from an alien invasion, it’s a poignant tale of love amidst chaos.
2. “Rogue One” (2016)
– Edwards helms this epic Star Wars installment, seamlessly integrating new characters with the beloved original trilogy. It’s a testament to his ability to navigate complex narratives on a grand scale.
3. “End Day” (2005)
– This BBC docudrama marked Edwards’ entry into the world of speculative storytelling. Presenting five doomsday scenarios, it set the stage for his later exploration of dystopian futures.
4. “The Creator” (2023)
– Edwards’ latest venture, “The Creator,” immerses audiences in a future fraught with AI warfare. While not without its challenges, it boldly tackles pertinent questions about the role of artificial intelligence in our lives.
5. Potential Future Project
– As Edwards continues to push the boundaries of speculative cinema, audiences eagerly anticipate his next cinematic endeavor, poised to be another thought-provoking addition to his illustrious filmography.
“The Creator” stands as a testament to Gareth Edwards’ unyielding vision and his penchant for exploring the frontiers of speculative cinema.
While it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of AI, it occasionally falters in navigating its intricate narrative.
As we peer into this cinematic crystal ball, we’re left with a stark question: Will artificial intelligence be our beacon of hope, or will it cast a shadow over humanity’s future? Only time will unveil the answer.
We Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Support!
— By Cindy Porter
— For more information & news submissions: info@VoiceOfEU.com
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