Understanding the Refugee Crisis in Europe, Syria, and around the World

In which John Green discusses the Syrian refugee crisis and the growing number of refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea crossing the sea with the help of smugglers to seek refuge in European Union nations.
Also discussed: The difference between migrants and refugees, the rights of refugees as established by international law, the globalization of all regional crises, and how the death of 3-year-old Alan Kurdi galvanized the world.
PLACES TO GIVE:
The UNHCR: donate.unhcr.org/international...
Save the Children fundraiser created by author Patrick Ness: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundr...
SOURCES:
Most of the stats and graphs in this video came from the United Nations' High Commission on Refugees: www.unhcr.org.uk/about-us/key-...
Overview of the EU's struggle with migrants and refugees from the BBC: www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-...
Another overview from the Independent: www.independent.co.uk/news/wor...
An incredibly complicated guide to whose supporting whom in the Syrian Civil War: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
Immigrants to the U.S. are less likely to commit crimes than other Americans: www.wsj.com/articles/the-mythi...
Understanding the difference between migrants and refugees, and the legal obligations we have to refugees: www.unhcr.org/55df0e556.html
The UNHCR maps a plan forward from Europe that I quote from extensively: www.unhcr.org/55e9459f6.html
The 1951 Refugee Convention that I mistakenly called a Commission in the video: www.unhcr.org/pages/49da0e466....
Information about the horrifying human rights abuses by Eritrea's government: www.hrw.org/africa/eritrea and www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pa...
Yes, Bashar al Assad's government in Syria has tortured children and used chemical weapons: www.aljazeera.com/indepth/feat... and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghouta_... (Link contains explicit images of death)
Joseph Stalin probably never said that thing about one death being a tragedy and a thousand (or million) deaths being a statistic, but I quoted it the way a Soviet historian did: en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_...
Thanks as always to Rosianna Halse Rojas ( / rosianna , whose data-gathering and fact-checking made this video possible. If you read the entire dooblydoo, you get a gold star.
----
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John's twitter - / johngreen
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Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands

[@vlogbrothers]

(First.) -John

[@lovefrombooks7]

+vlogbrothers I THINK I WAS ACTUALLY FIRST HOLY POOP

[@Retterime]

+vlogbrothers God damnit John.

[@osherlerner344]

+vlogbrothers 1,134,892,284th Comment!

[@benjaminlee5578]

+vlogbrothers Same

[@fishman649]

+vlogbrothers How many of these people is America taking in??

[@awesomest230]

It sincerely worries me how many people disagree with John. It terrifies me to no end; who are you people? Honestly, reading the comments section reminds me of the time that woman who decided not to evacuate her house during a hurricane and when it flooded she tried to knock on someone's house to let her in but they refused and both her children ended up drowning. IT. DOES. NOT. MATTER. THAT. IT. WAS. HER. MISTAKE. You let that woman in, let her eat your food and use your blanket. Know why? Because it's the human thing to do. It's the right thing to do, for god sakes imagine you were born a Syrian. You literally had 0 say in what happened, that toddler definitely had no say that ten year old boy definitely had no say, what is wrong with you people?

[@PhiloAmericana]

+Rodina A. (Ro-day-nah) I agree. I wish Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia would do more. It's a damn shame.

[@zarazoro1]

+Rodina A. (Ro-day-nah) People are afraid of these refugees, and they forgot that these refugees are also afraid of Assad's regime, they are afraid of "Death's barils", they are afraid of the future too.

+7rider7 I understand what you say, but as John stated syrians are very educated people so I assume they don't commit so many crimes...

[@user-dv3dg5sq7u]

When you are running away from a flood, the logical thing is to get inside the nearest house and not the richest house. The "house" which are nearest to Syria are Saudi-Arabians who are bathing in black gold and refuse to help the neighbouring Arab refugees.

[@pokesavcheater]

no one thinks like that anymore people think it's just YOU and the people YOU care about everyone else doesn't matter honestly it's that kinda thinking that will end races and then our whole species

[@paulmancini9381]

why is nobody talking about the negligence of rich Gulf states??? Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have literally done nothing to help.

[@paulmancini9381]

+Paul Mancini it just seems like the conversation is "look at the failure of Europe for not taking in enough" not "look at the failure of these rich nations that are closer, richer, and have the same culture"

[@johnscroogle6484]

under rated comment

[@williamfrancis5367]

I'd like to think the nations of Europe can be held to higher standard than a bunch of oppressive theocratic petro states.

[@chimichanga7365]

william francis P

[@wearenumberone1111]

ıdk ask them

[@Eliphas_Leary]

Thank you for this video, John. I'm working as a security guard in a german refugee camp, and it really helps to have some more facts and arguments at hand.

[@Achillez098]

Hats off to you John Green You are what seems like the only person out there who is speaking sense, you are the voice that will guide us as a species to a better future.

[@kristateraberry7919]

+Achillez Green for President 2016?

[@yunyunpilled]

+Grace Teraberry the fact that he can be tho

[@tenaciousdean6179]

+Grace Teraberry Green/Green for president 2016!

[@kristateraberry7919]

I think John should be Vice Prez

[@wishbvne2974]

"His views aline with mine so he must be right"

[@OneUpdateataTime]

Shout out to all the Australians hanging their head in shame at the awful government we have whose refugee policy is littered with racism, misinformation, and slander in a bid to decrease our intake and dehumanise refugees to discourage interest in helping them.

[@SezShares]

Here here

[@atella394]

And our prime minister screaming "I stopped the boats" like it's a fucking achievement to be proud of.

[@thatzachary]

+OneUpdateataTime Fuckin preach that shit "Now back to that bitch talkin shit about our country in the press; Hey Tony, What's good?"

[@haikat4]

+OneUpdateataTime Literally what in the fuck is wrong with you people? Thank your government for keeping you safe.

[@OneUpdateataTime]

Ah yes, the racists are here. Insulting me won't make me think refugees as anything less than humans. You're wasting your time. You're not even giving counter arguments to a different point of view you're just being offensive.

[@LobstertheGiggy]

Honestly let's just knock the real definitive problem with this video. It's a video by an American explaining the European Migrant crisis. However, the problem is Green glosses over some major issues that the Europeans have with this unfortunate event. He goes and makes claims that countries are being inhumane essentially, though some simply cannot support migrants.

[@kkdancer999]

How can they not support refugees but can adjust to support their own people and changing population?

[@LobstertheGiggy]

Kristen A The fact that you don't seem to know is we have getting a lot of immigration in Europe for years. It's a touchy subject amongst all the countries here. People are either for or against it. Here in England nationwide debates occurred regarding it and I'm not entirely sure of the outcome. Just to say I am aware of the fact that refugees aren't necessarily immigrants but it's very easy for people to simply slip into society without any problems once they've arrived. We may be able to deal with the slowish population growth but add on to that 1000s of extra people in a very short length of time? The money to make sure the camp's are safe and protected? Unfortunately it's never going to be as simple as "Let them in" and Im annoyed that Green makes us sound like much worse people than we are for not letting them in.

[@LobstertheGiggy]

Or at least as many as the rest of the world that isn't Europe wants us too

[@kkdancer999]

I think Green is trying to say that all the countries in the agreement just shouldn't be setting limits to how many refugees they will take, but instead if every country involved was as open as they agreed to, there wouldn't be as much pressure on fewer countries. This would also then lower rates of smuggling because access to countries wouldn't be as difficult for refugees.

[@jedsanford7879]

Your argument is an ad hominem one. You cannot refute this argument by imputing its narrator.

[@rebeccamathison2965]

"And humans, all humans, are our people. And when the oppressed and marginalized die because they are oppressed and marginalized, then powerful are at fault" - thank you for that quote, it's beautiful and I have it on a sticky note on my desk

[@RustyClantonOfficial]

Thank you for this. I'm shocked to read so many folks in the comment section say that refugees do not deserve to be rescued because they are not as "grateful and kind" as should be appropriate. Life is life, brothers and sisters.

[@freyaspins]

+Rusty Clanton Refugees are people, and I think some commenters forget that. When people need our help, we need to help those people.

[@Travis7060312]

+Rusty Clanton It almost makes me cry when I read these comments. I can't agree with you more

[@seasq]

+Rusty Clanton I completely agree. Gratitude and kindness should never be expected when you help others. We help others to help them, not ourselves. Remember your humanity as you help those who have had their basic human rights ripped from them. Gratitude is shown differently in every culture, some don't even have a word for "thank you" because it's rude. Don't help others because you want them to shower their love and appreciation upon you. Help others because you have your humanity in tact.

[@freyaspins]

Shannon Skeens Agreed.

[@freyaspins]

Father Karras You realise that those people need to prove they are from Syria when they claim to be? Since so many of them are granted Asylum, it is safe to assume, they are endangered. Either because they are from Syria (in Germany, a very small number of people from Syria (4?) haven't been granted Asylum, but it is not sufficient to come from Syria to be granted Asylum) or because there are other reasons why their life is in danger (Syria is not the only country torn by war).

[@REDANDSILVER741]

John Green for President 2020 Only you understand the world enough to make a diffrence

[@sedrickalcantara9588]

+REDANDSILVER741 #BernieSanders2K16

[@demianhaki7598]

+REDANDSILVER741 Or many other people who have taken the time to study. Don't sell yourself short, people!

[@quidprobro]

How can John run when Sanders is going to be incumbent that year?

[@rustinkole6173]

+REDANDSILVER741 You are what is wrong with the world. You get all your information and opinions from the biased media instead of doing your own research and forming your own opinions. You are a lemming and you deserve to watch the world as you know it burn

[@avenger0214]

Yeah and if he is your president USA will be islamic state

[@agasirpadilla7155]

I just cried in the inside rn; eventhough this video is 2 yrs old its message; its humanity is eternal, we need more ppl like him. WE need more countries to act within his ideals that treats the world as an undivided region with humans regardless of their cultural, religious and other such distinctions whilst at the same time respecting these values.

[@hwgoblin]

Syrian and Iraqi here, so glad you made this video. I have family currently in Syria and I was always super worried they'd be caught in the crossfire, even as a little kid. My cousin came over to visit the family for a bit, he was kinda thin. Not emaciated, but not really a healthy weight, he didn't even have a shirt on under his sweater, and told loads of stories about his school bus breaking down because they ran out of oil and what's left is bad quality, and this was all normal to him. Really made me appreciate how privileged I am to live in a safe and wealthy country. I can't believe how many people have forgotten how to have empathy. There are probably people out there who'll read this comment and be like "Yeah but..." like where's the but? How could you think it's fine for a kid to grow up like this?!

[@Bell_plejdo568p]

The west/america is the ones who destory ppl countries

[@Bell_plejdo568p]

What country do u live in

[@holapeople24]

I can't agree with you john. Hungary does not have the resources to take in all the refugees it's taking without significantly lowering the already pretty low (by European standards) standards of it's native population. As for crime, at least the attitude of the "refugees" seem to be that of arrogance. Take half a minute to watch this video of refugee's throwing out water bottles. www.liveleak.com/view?i=344_1441354394

[@vlogbrothers]

+X Acolyte Hungary doesn't have the resources to take care of 10,000 refugees but Pakistan has the resources to take care of 10,000,000 refugees? That's ridiculous. Does Hungary have .1% of Pakistan's wealth? -John

[@RonaiHenrik]

they threw out those water bottles because of their pride. They didn't want to accept water from those people.

[@jdubbson11]

+vlogbrothers Do you think life's peachy for ten million refugees in Pakistan? Given the number of refugees, it's not unthinkable that a country would either have a hard time financially supporting the refugees, whether that be in transporting them or providing them housing, or be hesitant to allocate so much capital to that effort. The refugees may also not have any skills that are transferable to the culture or economy of the country they're entering. Maybe capital would be better allocated in fighting the bad roots.

[@RumerPriestly]

Is there any proof that those people are actually refugees, that the water was given to them as aide? It could well be a stunt to try and back up the backwards ass thinking of people trying to make up excuses not to support these people in need.

[@jamesfrazier4005]

Hes ignoring this thread now because internet bs isnt something VlogBrothers accepts, and rediculous "debating" (thanks Hank) is counterproductive to the more real humanitarian issues of the Syrian refugee crisis.

[@imsoofreakintired]

Here's the thing: this is a humanitarian crisis but Europe is overwhelmed. I live in Portugal, okay? We have been facing austerity since the 2008 crisis and only now signs of economic growth are starting to show. We have unemployment rates that extremely high. The construction business has stopped because there's almost no space left. So how are we supposed to welcome and support refugees when the country can't really support it? I know those poorer countries are already housing refugees but they have a lot of free space (I can't stress this enough, most of Europe is bursting at the seems when it comes to construction) and I'm not sure what do those countries provide the refugees with besides shelter. Here's the thing John: those refugees won't be smuggled into the US, which makes you an outsider. Europe is dealing with this the best they can for now. There are socio-economical factors that are not being taken to consideration because you don't live here. This comment doesn't come from a place of hate, racism or xenophobia, it come from a place of understanding that this is called a CRISIS for a reason and that many European countries aren't taking many refugees, not because they don't want to but because they don't know how.

[@Pinkishfiend]

+Mark Vengance I don't know about Australia or Canada, but being honest what's been going on in the USA lately I'd say refugees would only be slightly safer. Only because over here people are screaming at the top of their lungs about illegal immigrants, "this is a christian nation", and hell even trump has been blaring about building a wall at the border. I'm sure we could take some refugees and it would still be a lot safer than being in Syria, but I feel like honestly there would be a ton of negativity towards them.

[@MagicalDragontamer]

+imsoofreakintired This is exactly why we need a pan-European solutions. Southern Europe being overwhelmed and left to deal with that many refugees alone is completely unfair and perhaps, gross and racist as it is, Hungary's response is to be seen in this light to. The financially strong countries in Europe need to start taking some serious responsibility.

[@RicardoNecrofear]

+imsoofreakintired There are lots of space in Portugal, in the inner parts of the country, including hundreds of abandoned villages, where the young moved to the big cities (or migrated), and the old just died off. Think about what those people wouldn't give for a chance at moving to such a place right now.

[@thejoyofseex]

+imsoofreakintired I agree that Europe is struggling but not perhaps as much as it likes to make out. Compared to the situation in Lebanon or Jordan life is peachy and I believe we have a moral responsibility to help spread the burden with these countries. The situation is fucked and it’s horrible but the idea the European countries are bursting a the seams and incapable of helping is simply not true, there is enough land and if there was the political desire to do so there could be plenty affordable housing too. I’m a Scot living in Austria and I’ve been impressed by Austria handling of the situation, even if it has been a bit haphazard, it has been compassionate. Germany is taking on the most refugees and well it might, it’s a big country, has the strongest economy in Europe and is best suited to house and integrate these people (although i actually think Merkel’s ‘blank cheque’ has actually created a mini crisis of it’s own). I find Czech Rep, Poland and Hungary’s (especially Hungary’s) attitude pretty disgusting. Most of the people are just looking for passage through these countries and they are being treated as sub-human. I also find their attitude of accusing refugees of being scrounging foreigners while helping themselves to huge EU subsidies pretty galling. But finally reserve my most contempt for the UK, one of the few countries in Europe which could really be doing something to help people and stands by doing nothing. The many of these migrants are skilled and educated and (important point no-one seem to mention) speak English. It would be easier for them to integrate in the UK than else where in Europe but the British government is too bust scaremongering and sucking the dick of the banking sector…

[@someone-vg6sk]

I live in Greece and ships full of refugees arrive in my city twice a week. a teacher at school gathered some students to go help the people who arrive, give them some food, especially for the babies, before they go on their buses. when I arrived at the port to help I wanted to cry. just seeing all those parents trying to find some milk for their babies made me depressed. we had some food to give to the families and whenever i gave them, the grateful looks on their faces made my heart melt. no one CHOSE to leave their country especially under these circumstances. they just want a safer future for their kids. which is a huge problem for the European countries where they go, but its not these people's fault. just try to think what you would do if you were in their position. there were also some people who just shouted at us telling us to let them die. 'they deserve it' they said. NO ONE deserves this. No one. However big this problem is, no one deserves to die.

[@alexjury3556]

You're awesome John Green, and I just found out that you are the guy who wrote all those books like "The Fault in Our Stars", and I had no idea! Mind Blown! I have never read them but I hear they are very good reads. I loved your history crash-course videos, and thank you for helping me better understand the refugee crisis. I'm glad there are people like you using your KZbin influence for good. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@janenejamal]

Finally someone who seems to be an actual human with emotions in this comment section.

[@alexjury3556]

Lol, yeah that's KZbin for you

[@macmalkawi1738]

+

[@Menuh2022]

im from Bosnia and seeing how badly people speak about refugees makes me sick. anyone can be in their situation,it's crazy. thanks for adressing the issue

[@janedoe7187]

Can you do one of these videos for the Hillary Clinton email scandal?? I got sooo lost with what was actually happening when rumors started to fly.

[@janedoe7187]

Also, I know you don't want to talk about the election yet, but when you do could you just do a video briefly explaining the basic platform for each candidate? You are one of the only sources I trust to be relatively unbiased

[@535Pimpdoubt]

+Jane Doe I like John a whole lot, but to call him unbiased you need to be both blind and deaf.

[@mirrorimage7077]

+Pimp Doubt He's not unbiased, for certain, but we're sort of all biased in the same John-ish direction. Also, his voice makes me happy. (actually, the audio on this video is frustratingly unbalanced)

[@sandler800]

+Jane Doe im a pretty big fan but if you think he's not biased its probably because you, like most other people, only get you news from people you agree with. and if i had to go out on a limb i'd guess you call fox news faux news or something along those lines.

[@andiebarrow3606]

+Jane Doe It's a largely manufactured "controversy" designed to deflect attention from the systemic problems in our... well, system. To completely paraphrase and pretty much misrepresent something Bernie Sanders said, "Don't vote against Hillary because of this email bullshit, vote against Hillary because of Iraq."

[@user-yc2qk6mj7i]

I started following the vlog brothers because I was a school teacher. This is the most powerful vlog I've seen yet. Thank you for using your voice as a platform for questioning, for humanity. Thank you for so logically and eloquently explaining views that some of us simply break down trying to put into words. I leave for Lesvos in the morning for two weeks. I am blessed to have this opportunity, and I am blessed to know I'm a conduit of this kind of love and acceptance and positive energy from home.

[@TheRachaelLefler]

No use of the word "rape" in this video, ok? You were wrong John, they're not harmless.

[@Sarahnewks]

What are you talking about? What's all this talk about refugees and rape.

[@PsychoRider666]

i couln't find ANY news that isn't in some right wing infowars like blog, just one cbs link saiyin that the news of a 13 year old german girl missing was false

[@360Freaks]

Have you been to Germany in the last few years? Or ever?

[@360Freaks]

Which country did the criminals come from, Rachael? I'll give you a hint, not Syria.

[@alexanderdowdy177]

Standard nationalistic xenophobia. There is no correct response to this comment except to ignore it entirely.

[@rudolfschimera2980]

Hi John, I´m from Czech Rep. which is one of the "bad" countries that "refuses" the syrian refugees. Unfortunatelly you´re missing few very important points. The Syrian + other refugees are actually leaving through Turkey - which is safe country and some of them lived there for a year or more. The reason why the head to central Europe is due to the fact that Merkel (german prime minister) invited them to Germany. Please také in mind that they don´t want to stay in Greece, Bulgaria, neither Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Czech Rep. they want to get to Germany. And the reason WHY is because they´ll receive very generous social security there - lot of money.So Germany caused crazy hysteria among these poor people - and actually Germany is to blame for making many of them drown in the sea - because they wouldn´t leave Turkey. Right now Germany and EU is forcing other countries (especially in central Europe) to take quotas for immigrants - that means that some of the people that came from Turkey (i.e.many of them Syrians) just for the econimical reasons will be sent to countries as mine - and probably even without asking. And nany of them flee for Germany. So it¨s not very clear if they´re economical migrants or refugees. We welcome refugees but this is much more complicated than just simple xenophobic hysteria.

[@rudolfschimera2980]

and the very recent news is that Germany closed their borders beacause they are "surprised" how many refugees (or migrants) came. They actually tricked them for some strange reasons and these people will be probably angry. So tomorrow we will welcome thousands of them in Czech Rep ... please follow the news if you´re really interested - it´s happening now :-)

[@DomuraK]

+Rudolf Schimera Nobody can oblige your country to accept these quotas made by Germany and EU, every country has its own quotas, nowone must accept to be Germany's toil paper, of course if those rulers from those countries have a spine

[@DaenerysTheQueen]

+DomuraK When you are a part of EU, you basically have to. Otherwise, we'll get less EU financial support etc.

[@DomuraK]

No you don't. Its every country's freedom to reject those quotas, as a matter of fact sincer yesterday UE "deleted" the mandatory part from those quotas, so everyone will take as many refugees as their respective policy dictates. No more imposed quotas

[@DaenerysTheQueen]

DomuraK It is our freedom but France and Germany announced that who won't accept refugees, can forfeit the European funds.

[@leia7517]

Nobody chooses where they are born and what circumstances they are born into, so the response from governments and just the general public is truly disgusting, and this comment section exemplifies that. For all you know you could have been one of these refugees, but you're lucky enough to be living in a country that is peaceful. I can't believe some of you people. Nobody's asking you to do anything, because honestly none of us can really do much, only governments have the power to decide who will be accepted in their countries, but have some fucking empathy. I am so sick of the way these refugees are being dehumanized to the point that people don't even give a shit. I see humans but no humanity.

[@Blameberg]

+Souleika Domingues SHUT THE FUCK UP

[@leia7517]

Professor Wilhelm Boomberg That's all you can say? Lmao, that really shows the level of intelligence you have.

[@leia7517]

Professor Wilhelm Boomberg These refugees don't have any kind of agenda and it's pretty deplorable that you think they're just there to "ruin" Europe. A lot of them are families that are fleeing war conditions. And may I remind you that there's a lot of Syrian and Iraqi Christians who are part of the many refugees who ARE escaping conflict and persecution (otherwise they wouldn't be refugees in the first place, just economic migrants). So I suggest you educate yourself on the situation before spouting racist rhetoric.

[@Mrskateboardboy]

+Souleika Domingues The people living in these safe countries made them safe over time. We set up the institutions to make it how they now are. It is an evolutionary process. Taxation is one of things that we accept and it goes to pay for the social programmes that our "safe" countries enjoy. These refugees/migrants want to take advantage of something to which they have never contributed. The REAL refugees are the ones that were being persecuted in their own countries and not this horde that finds that their countries can't provide for them as Europe can do.. Don't just look at the pitiful videos of drowned children. Take a look at the mobs destroying Greek islands; the garbage trail they are leaving when they move on and the useful stuff the leave behind; the lack of gratitude for help they receive. They seem to think they have a RIGHT to move to Europe. The European leaders are trying to strike a balance between their obligations to REAL refugees and how to deal with this horde, most of whom do not qualify as refugees.

[@aceclover758]

+Souleika Domingues refugee's don't find rich countries to leech off of if they are only escaping from danger as you put it. What they are doing now makes then illegal migrants

[@thajav6585]

you can see this connects with him on an emotional level it humbling to see someone with such care and love for the world

[@Marina-mw3sn]

Thank you vlogbros for posting such informative and well organized explanations of important issues! You all are helping me so much.

[@hannahberg2199]

+

[@ericpa06]

Actually, those who are going to Europe...are choosing to go to Europe. Actually, that is the reason for why they are choosing the best countries, like Germany, England, and the nordic countries.

[@ericpa06]

+Ace Diamonds I'm from Brazil, Ace. The restrictions to people who want to go to my country are pretty low, basically you can get in a plane in Syria and go to here, and we'll basically give you asile. But there's no social benefits for those who want to go here. And Brazil is not a rich country like Norway and Denmark, and so on... And, indeed, some sirians have come here. And many of them say things like: "Oh, I would rather have gone to Sweden, or Germany, or England. The cost of living in Brazil is to high. There's no social benefits." (If you want to read, here's a post, in portuguese, about a syrian family who is in Brazil in the moment, and they are complaining, saying that they would rather have gone to Sweden. And they want to help to get out off Brazil and go to Sweden.) revistacrescer.globo.com/Refugiados-no-Brasil/noticia/2015/09/eu-nao-escolhi-vir-para-o-brasil-nao-ha-escolha.html [Guess what? We're not in war in Brazil. But they still want to go to Europe.] I just think that John should have left pretty clear that: Those who are going to Europe are going for the social benefits.

[@ericpa06]

And that's why I said: They are NOT running from the war. Those who are just "running from the war" are those who are going to... I don't know Turkey, or India, or Russia. Those are going to Europe are not refugiate, they are (illegal) immigrant. And that's why John Green was wrong when he called them "refugees" They are choosing to go to England. They don't want to go to Turkey, or whatever.. And also, other another thing: The international comunitate should ask : "Why does the Arab Emirates, that is a freaking rich country, don't receive this refugees? Why Saudi Arabia, don't receive them? Why it has to be the Europe? Nobody said a freaking thing about Dubai haven't received anyone. I just hate how everybody think that Europe, and US should solve all the problems of the world.

[@ericpa06]

Yes, they are "shopping around" to find out the best country, which has the fanciest choices available to them... That's the point! That's not actually how the whole thing about "being a REFUGIATE" work, That's why, according to the international law, refugees has to seek asylum in the first, in the first country that they reach out. The international law don't say: "Oh, and you can shop around to find out the best country that best fulfill your expectations and desired standards of living". --- About destabilizing the region, ok you have a point there. But many of the country that the emigrants are going like: Norway, and Denmark, and Switzerland, and Sweden... do not destabilized the region, at all.

[@AlliArt15]

+Eric P. Alvaro Its almost like these refugees want countries that can support their children rather than other more problematic countries in the middle east. Did you hear about the bombing in Turkey recently? This is why many of them strive for the better off European countries.

[@ericpa06]

AlliArt15 Of course... because the only place in the word that are not being bombed is the european coutries, all the other countries are being bombarded 24/7. I'm from Brazil. Brazil is not being bombarded and it's relatively easy to get an asylum here. Do they want to go to Brazil? No. No. Because we are not rich country with the fanciest choices like Norway. (And not even dare to say about "oh, it's expansive a airline tickets, because the refugees are paying like 3.000$, sometimes even more, to able to go to Europe)

[@gabriela5116]

John, i love your vídeos, and they are often very explanatory, but I must say that I was very disappointed that you only addressed the cause of this crisis to countries not accepting the refugees; what about the REAL ROOT of this problem? this crisis is the product of USAs criminal war politics and interventions, which happened during the American imperialism, with the help of European countries of course. They exploited countries and financed wars (and still do to this day) searching for raw materials and whatever the fuck they wanted - and simply because wars are lucrative in this fucked up capitalist world - all based on LIES to make people think it was ok. I'd appreciate if you take the time to read this. I still love u tho bye

[@gabriela5116]

PLUS we are all humans living on the same planet, like you said, how can people just don't care about others? how can people always think about the money problems it will cause? what about PEOPLES LIFES???? it makes me sick

[@buck7271]

a vast majority of migrants are economic migrants, syrian refugees are a fraction of who is coming into europe

[@eranrabiaakyol5108]

This should be watched in these times when we're dealing with a global pandemic. There is no "our" or " their" problem, there is just one problem of all people and when you protect other people you protect yourself at the same time. Hope this lesson should be taken which applies all the humanitarian crisis we're dealing with. But, it takes maturity...

[@JonClem310]

Wow. John is talking about something more important than that Dear Fat People video that's popping up everywhere

[@eyuelbekele4499]

+ClemMedia Another indication of what John said. If it doesn't affect you you just brush it off. Damn even when the Ethiopians were killed by ISIS I was the only Ethiopian in school and I never even heard a peep from the other kids around the school.

[@KnightRaymund]

+ClemMedia yes this is more important. Doesn't mean the other thing wasn't bad too and it's a little easier for people to speak out against through personal experiences. It was a disgusting video and it was wrong and people are allowed to talk about that too.

[@miciarokiri5182]

+KnightRaymund They are, but not at the expense of others. It is one thing to talk about both, but many are acting like that video is the worst thing happening in the world today. It clearly is not.

[@KnightRaymund]

Hayley Rodgers a lot of youtubers have experience with assholes or body issues. Not many have a lot of foreign policy experience or know all the intricacies of the crisis over there. So you'll excuse them if they talk about something they know more about.

[@BusyAsABree]

+ClemMedia Wow, maybe people are better authorities on their own feelings than the richly complex and complicated issue of Syrian war and the refugee crisis and they should make videos about what they both care and know about.

[@eruno_]

Europeans should take care of Europeans first.

[@kitkathansen7749]

+Iovar “Wolkun” Friiselahh i like this :) i think that its okay that the immigrants is coming but they must understand that we'll take care of ourself first :)

[@gibbygibbs8047]

I'm not gonna speak for your Country and I'm so sick of people in Canada or even the U.S. Saying they shouldn't have to take care of the refugees before themselves. We live in a first world country I don't care if you grew up in a bad neighbourhood with barley enough to get by you still had it better then these people. I wish countries didn't exist and that anyone could live anywhere tbh because I don't agree with keeping anyone who isn't an obvious threat out of countries, sure it might cost money to help them but we as humans need to stop forgetting to value money over life.

[@gibbygibbs8047]

+Victoria Gibbs * I meant to value life over money oops

[@MUSTASCH1O]

+Iovar “Wolkun” Friiselahh You have a computer, house, food, water, clean cloths, etc. yet you still think we aren't in a situation where we don't just have to look after ourselves? wtf

[@kingofprussia17]

+Victoria Gibbs Have you been to Detroit? St. Louis? Harlam? Compton? These places are in my nation and our nation is classified as a developed nation; yet most of Africa looks like a paradise compared to these places. You have a very narrow view of Developed and underdeveloped; that is the actually term for it not the first, second or third world. First, second and third world are classifications during the cold war between the US and the Soviets.

[@clotildevivier8650]

"Hank, when discussing refugees I often hear, 'But that's not our problem'; 'We have to take care of our people'. But we are one species sharing one interconnected world and humans, all humans, are our people." *bows low*

[@HoneyDubey23]

We are all human. Lets treat each other as equal. Stop having a ice cold heart people, you just won the birth lottery. You could have been a refugee

[@Laidart]

That's all nice and dandy that we have to take care of them. I sympathise with the children and families and I live in Europe. But first problem with that is, we don't have enough jobs for ourselves, where will we get jobs for them? And now other countries are starting to flee to Europe. Where will we put them? We have 10mil. people, we are tiny. Second problem is they don't want to stay in other countries than Germany. We have a refugee camps here where the young men attack the security trying to get out and than to Germany. Third problem: There was a security conference held with head of the syrian women militia. She said they succesfully fight IS and so who will fight IS when all young men will be in Europe? Women of Syria? Or we and our fathers and brothers? She also said there's a lot of men who are trained by IS and their sole purpose is to infiltrate Europe. US people should understand the fear of terrorism best of all. I don't mind muslims, I dread terrorists. They don't even want to get registered so our police can do a security check. You can think I'm racist or xenophobe or whatever you like, but I have a family to worry about as well as they do and terrorism is a BIG problem. If you can guarantee there's not one dangerous man among them I'll take them all in.

[@michaeldesanta7240]

+Laidart THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNISTS WHO RUN THE UN DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY THEY WANT TO FISTFUCK YOUR COUNTRY AND DESTROY ANY BORDERS.

[@Mrpapayaheadrulesall]

+Laidart If you're worried about too many refugees for your population, then quotas is a better idea anyway. Say you'll give safe travel to your country for X number of refugees and then change the system the EU has in place that's making European countries terrified to let refugees into your country. If you're not scared of all the restrictions on the government once refugees get there, you can allow safe passage for how ever many a country of 10 million can handle.

[@jcimrman]

+Mrpapayaheadrulesall : quotas do not work. They do not want to stay in countries like Hungary. They want to go to Germany or Great Britain.

[@indicanking7076]

+jcimrman Then they are no longer refugees.

[@quasicroissant]

Maybe it's precisely because there are no jobs for that amount of people pretty much anywhere in Europe other than Germany?

[@TheJamShot]

Once again, once a refugee has found physical safety in a country that is not at war but then turns around and decides I like it in Germany better because they give me free stuff they are to be considered ECONOMIC MIGRANTS! That little boy who was found dead on the beach that everyone likes to keep talking about, fled the safety of Turkey with his parents in order to gain benefits in the West. He basically died because his parents were being selfish. Go ahead call me heartless but I think that is what's DISGUSTING!

[@maykelly9527]

+TheJamShot did.... did you watch th..the video? the video which you have just commented on?? it literally explains why turkey isn't safe........................................................

[@valdiskazaks4709]

+Ace Diamonds Its not a crazy idea do get out off middle east, but a problem, no one seems to say out loud, out of fear being labeld as racist, is that wherever muslims go in big mases they bring middle east with them along.

[@MUSTASCH1O]

+Valdis Kazaks What do you even mean by bringing the middle east with them? There are concentrations of Muslims near where I live but they don't bring war and suffering, they just try to live their lives like everyone else is trying to.

[@MUSTASCH1O]

***** Yet in Britain the proportion is 14% and 5% worldwide. Clearly instead of all Muslims being bad, something else is going on, and the fact you didn't notice this tells that you are perhaps just a little bit prejudiced.

[@MUSTASCH1O]

***** That is utter rubbish.

[@jsmunroe]

Every life is precious. Civilizations rise and fall. They are a dime a dozen in the large scheme of things. Individuals are priceless. They live and then are gone forever. When an individual dies an entire universe goes with them. When this death is needless, a sin has been committed greater than any the world has known. Every life is precious, even the inconvenient ones. I refuse to count bodies. That is all.

[@animaljp3]

Shariah

[@PizzaManager101]

good job, you paraphrased Stalin

[@jsmunroe]

+MrPonitron Touché.

[@EpicLuigi24]

+PizzaManager101 I wasn't aware that Stalin thought every life was precious........

[@PizzaManager101]

he may not have thought it, but he said so in a speech

[@trianalamasney3882]

I love that you are talking about this in such a clear, humanitarian way. Many of us truly forget what really matters. As you said, it is shameful what governments are doing, turing their backs on people who need them. I hope this problem can be solved soon. It truly breaks my heart. Thank you for creating awareness through these videos.

[@BiggestTwoNoobs]

Refugees? Ok. There was video of one of them. The reporter asked her why are they not staying here(Slovenia). You know the answer? "I heard Slovenia is poor". Migrants not refugees. illegal immigrants.

[@seanarmstrong1156]

+Ace Diamonds by definition, yes, refugees SHOULD only go to the closet choice. The fact that they are COUNTRY SHOPPING means they are ABUSING their status of refugees.

[@seanarmstrong1156]

Ace Diamonds i know it's normal in human nature, but my point is that if we allow this, then Europe would be unlivable. and of course...the refugees being Islamic don't help cultural integration either. If they are atheists who believe in secularism, then this would be a lot easier...

[@seanarmstrong1156]

Ace Diamonds "it shouldnt matter if they are islamic or not as long as there are laws preventing religion from influencing politics youll be fine. " => but in practice, this is impossible. As long as religions dictate believers' morals, they will vote according to what they think their religion teaches. You see this even in US, despite the US constitution forbidding mixing of religion with politics! "those countries should be focusing on housing, jobs, and the economy so the immigrants arent destitute and relying on welfare." => but easier said than done! If European countries can't even manage their own people (e.g. high unemployment rate in UK), then how is bringing in 1 million refugees going to help? Shouldn't we prioritize on helping our own people first before taking in more? Greece is already going down like shit, and Italy and Spain are next to fall. All this refugee business is really like adding oil on fire.

[@seanarmstrong1156]

Ace Diamonds It is easier to do an economic restructure without being burdened with millions of refugees. Yes, the refugees can keep trying to come, but as long as we stand firm and don't welcome them, then there's nothing they can do about it. I can agree with about fixing the problems in our society, but i don't think we should be welcoming refugees while trying to fix those problems at the same time, especially Islamic refugees that have a history of being culturally incompatible with the European culture. I'ts not like we're takling about Chinese/Japanese immigrants...who have a history of being very compatible with the West.

[@seanarmstrong1156]

Ace Diamonds "if you tell them no the immigrants will just accept that and go back to their war torn country, that makes sense." => if they try to swarm the border by force, i would support our troops to open fire. and yes - on children too. If families choose to use force to illegally come into our countries with their kids, then they're responsible for whatever happen to them and their kids. "or was the west just about to get around to doing that?" => i know you're being sarcastic...but i would argue the West is indeed getting around to doing it. Bernie Sanders from US is one example. And his message is spreading to Europe as well. So refugees are not required to start a social revolution. People are sick of our current politics already and want a change. The whole Greece economy fiasco taught us the dangers of overly-powerful banks.

[@doomdrake123]

And the blame of USA for trying to destibilize the entire arab world, the some smug vlogbrother says that Europe is cruel. Well why not ship them all to USA???

[@ichliebejava5115]

+Todor Todorov because USA is the one who bullies for fun or interest .

[@doomdrake123]

Cool guy Not only. Every empire is this way. China and Russia included. The three super powers are flexing muscles to show each other that they are force to be reckoned with... at the expense of a countries like Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Tibet and the contenders for South China Sea.

[@ichliebejava5115]

Todor Todorov mostly USA which invaded Iraq at first place but this guy didn't even mentioned USA . that is the reason i dislike this video . but once for all people must understand they need to respect each other .

[@crusherx99]

+Todor Todorov Europe supported the U.S in their invasion of Iraq. The whole west is to blame.

[@doomdrake123]

***** Okay so USA is destabilizing the arab world just for fun. Thats even worse. And on top of that their f***ing government has the nerve to talk about freedom and democracy. Russia and China at least have the decency not to lie about their intentions.

[@petertrigg9311]

Guys, I don't know if you see this, but you've really helped me a lot in the last few weeks. Going through a terrible depression and then this political catastrophe, I didn't have many optimistic places to turn. Thanks for things like this that remind me that I'm part of something larger.

[@PurpleNurpple]

Thanks John. This is the best video/opinion on this crisis I have seen all this time. You are amazing and I share your love for humanity.

[@PurpleNurpple]

+Aspiring Pyramidbuilder what?

[@nolanthiessen1073]

Canada is accepting 30% less today than they were 10 years ago? Hmmm... what happened around that time... Oh yeah, Stephen Harper.

[@MathAndComputers]

+Nolan Thiessen 6 more weeks... Please let it only be 6 more weeks. I'm tired of being ashamed of being Canadian.

[@aquack9919]

I've read many unflattering things about Harper. It wouldn't surprise if he's the major reason for it.

[@korboismywaifu]

+Nolan Thiessen Let me guess, doesn't pay taxes / early twenty something or late teen and supports Mulcair or Trudeau. I know diversity and multiculturalism are some feel good words to you but go ahead and move into a "diversified" area of a city like Toronto or Vancouver and then let me know how great it is. The sad thing is you have zero world experience and will only learn when things are crumbling around you.

[@netsquall]

+Sergeant Whiskeyjack Why are things crumbling around those 'divsersified' areas of those cities? It sure as fuck isn't because of the 'diversified' people there. It's because of fat cats like what you seem to support, refusing to invest in infrastructure for poorer areas. Stop pretending you have some sagely experience young people don't have. Pathetic.

[@seigeengine]

+Sergeant Whiskeyjack Or maybe the part where Harper's government are incompetent book-burning thieves? The sad thing is there are actually degenerate nutjobs like you defending that worthless cretin after a decade of Canada crumbling.

[@maxwellasky]

I really like how you hold all countries accountable. Can you shed some more light on the recent videos showing refugees refusing food and water while in train carts in Hungry? I was really stunned to see them throw away bottled water and food handed out by humanitarian workers.

[@MUSTASCH1O]

+Crow22Darkness Well he can't mention every country can he. +Maxwella Sky Hungary are treating the refugees over there like shit no wonder the refugees are becoming so angry there.

[@Iamizm101]

+Crow22Darkness what's this about New Zealand?

[@livvybrooks2202]

Well said John. Very well said. This is an extremely clear video that explains what exactly is going on. I'm sharing this video and asking my teachers to show it in my classes. Good work!

[@hassantarekkamel]

Every person in Europe and America should be obliged to watch this

[@blazedandconfused477]

This propagarbage? Give me a break. Even Paul Joseph Watsen is less disingenuous about this topic.

[@DrH5N1]

UN never said Bashar Al-Asad used Sarin on is own population.

[@neolynxer]

+DrH5N1 he doesn't give a shit about UN or international law. His goal is to explain, why american policy is above it and to explain viewers from EU, why they have to get bent and shut up. Because empathy, love and human rights.

[@pororobergoglio4600]

Nigga you stupid

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

+DUKE JaTavius Legstrong I indeed

[@HA-nr6fs]

Hello John.. first of all I want to thank you for your concern and care about a situation many refuse to address or even accept. .. as an Iraqi Citizen I live in constant fear of death or losing someone that I care about to terror or any other . fortunately I live in a rather quite province where Isis hasn't reached and hopefully never will ... for me I don't think I'm ready to flee my country just yet but I want to thank you and all the people who are donating for the refugees (Syrians, Iraqis, afghans or any of my brothers and sisters else where) ... we are all humans and we all have something we suffer from we just have to help one another in order to find some Peace on this earth ♡

[@wiet111]

+hanin ali Good luck. I am also hopeful that ISIS will at least not spread further in Iraq (or preferably anywhere else). Right now the war in Iraq seems to be heading the right direction, or at least that is what the things I read online seem to indicate. Especially the Kurds and Peshmerga are very effective, and the iraqi army is also getting more effective. Together with the air support of the coalition, I am very hopefull that at leas the Iraq part of the conflict may come to an end (or at least a better situation) relatively soon.

[@HA-nr6fs]

+wiet111 thank you for your concern and support. .. yeah we're doing ok Arabs and Kurds alike ... hopefully we will defeat them once and for all some time soon although its hard but all we have are hopes and prayers right now. ...

[@candelariavito9508]

Good luck!!!

[@LesPaul2006]

To think every religion and culture is equally compatible with other religions and cultues is completely unrealistic.

[@anilsingh8874]

Why?

[@LesPaul2006]

Anil Singh Particularly in the case of modern Islam, it remained stuck in the Middle Ages because of al-Ghazali and al-Wahab centuries after. Now it stands completely against the principles of the Enlightenment, still endorsing theocracy, cruel punishments like stoning and beheading for non crimes like witchraft or adultery, and desiring to impose Sha'ria law all over the world.

[@anilsingh8874]

LesPaul2006 You're talking about Salafism. These are Islamic fundamentalists you're talking about, who want to impose Shari'a. Shari'a is not inherently a part of Islam any more than the Hebrew law code in the Bible is a part of Christianity or Judaism. There are plenty of mainstream Christian conservatives who don't believe in the Enlightenment and who want a theocracy.

[@LesPaul2006]

Anil Singh Not as many as Muslims. And you are lying to me. Shamelessly.

[@anilsingh8874]

+LesPaul2006 I'm really not, and you need not look any further than the right.

[@stressedbyamountainofworks2047]

I'm in Germany. Most of the so-called refugees are not actually from Syria.

[@visemarraellaeris3644]

North African criminals who pose as Syrians.

[@genessab]

Supattra Paveenkittiporn do you know the immense amount of vetting that they go through? There isn't an immigration option more complicated and hard to get through than that one.

[@systemo20]

that has nothing to do with the coment at all.

[@Peace_and_Love_777.....]

Vikings488 .... "the immense amount of vetting that THEY go through"... Who are you referring to? Refugees in Germany? Germany opened up the flood gates and did absolutely no vetting in the beginning of the crisis. Vetting the refugees once they are in the country is not a proper vetting process, that is simply trying to fix a problem they created... a problem that will never be fixed.

[@jordanthomas4379]

Supattra Paveenkittiporn true, most are coming from north Africa, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

[@9Antarta7]

For all the people saying 'John, you don't live in Europe so you can't talk like that', well, I do, and I agree with him unconditionally. I come from Southern Italy, here we've been struggling with this crisis for many more years that you could imagine. 20 years ago, long before the start of the civil war in Syria, my city faced the arrival of a boat that carried more than 22,000 people from Albania, all in one night. So believe me when I say that I KNOW how hard it is to welcome all these refugees that couldn't possibly be more different from us. But keep in mind that they couldn't be more similar to us either, and that we have duties towards our own kind. Yes, Hungary, just as Southern Italy, doesn't have the best standards, but our conditions cannot be compared to the one these people are trying to escape. Please, please try to find the strenght and compassion to change your country's politics, and help. (Sorry for the not-so-good English)

[@freyaspins]

+Melody Followill I live in Germany, and I can't imagine what it is like to live somewhere where huge amounts of refugees have landed for years. I is something that is hard to cope with and I hope the EU will work on this together, as we should. Those people need us.

[@9Antarta7]

+freyaspins that's the goal! We are a union with common ideals and beliefs, and we should start seriously behaving as one.

[@PerpetuallySleepy]

Your english is perfectly fine!

[@9Antarta7]

+PerpetuallySleepy thank you!

[@Wimpiethe3]

+Melody Followill So how did it work out long-term? Are they integrated, working, not causing problems etc etc etc?

[@Dan_The_Dude]

"We are one species, sharing one... world, and all people are our people" Beautiful.

[@TravisRichey]

GAH. Why do your videos make my cry so much? THANK YOU so much for your insight into this extraordinarily complex problem. ~Trav

[@umamunandar]

My Social Studies class is actually discussing about this. I hope I get the chance to show this video to the class or something because this is super inspiring.

[@hybridtv6947]

what a coincedence. just a couple hours ago i was teaching refugees german!

[@katharina854]

That's really cool and I am kind of happy about the way Germany handles the situation mostly ... I mean it's difficult and chaotic, but we aren't the assholes this time and it makes me proud (despite the xenophobia that still is in Germany, but I don't think there is a way of stopping it easily)

[@GINGERJAMMER]

+katharina854 Forgetting to mention Germany are playing it cool and preferring to take educated refugees while shipping the degenerates elsewhere....

[@katharina854]

oh well, I don't think I know anything about that and I've seen some of the refugees ... they don't seem very educated. And seriously, I don't know if this is true, but whatever is, Germany is starting something and they are doing a lot more than a lot of countries do. To shit on that doesn't seem very fair ... besides, you can't as a politician act only upon your heart, you have to use your mind too, to let the situation work. Anyway, where are you from and who are you to think that you are a good judge of the situation? Maybe I'm missing something here, but maybe I am not.

[@Tigermond1]

+Ulysses Roe I think this might be true for migrants, but not for refugees. Or can you show me any articles about this issue? (I don't mean this as a provocation but as a genuine question.)

[@RedBar3D]

+katharina854 The way we in which we discuss the issue has a huge impact on xenophobia.

[@2011lillian]

I was really hoping you'd do a video on this topic. Thank you for using your platform to shed light on important current issues.

[@sir_aken9706]

This video was inspiring. The comment section, not so much. As you said the blood is on our hand and we need to do something to wash it off.

[@happydemon3038]

Oh dear, this again. I thought Atheism was on the rise. Where "sins of the father" and "original sin" didn't exist. It isn't our fault that a bunch of religious fundamentalists setup a fanatical religious movement in the name of Islam. It is Obama and Hillary's (Secretary of State) fault. Sure, George W. Bush had the country's infrastructure destroyed, but they were also trying to fix it. Then they just pulled out the troops, leaving a power vacuum, which lead to this mess. If they had stayed until a proper police was made, this could've gone differently. Also, the argument he makes about highly educated refugees... think about that. How many highly educated people is the in the USA? A wealthy western country. How about Europe? Most of these people will take jobs, and take whatever pay they get. Now who do you hire, the guy who works for a regular pay, or the one who works for minimum pay? Also, there are more criminals in 10 000 refugees, than in 10 000 citizens. A lot more, it even goes to orders of magnitude on some types of crime. So here's the bottom line. The refugees are unskilled workers, taking minimum wage, thus unbalancing the job market. Taking them in leads to a disproportionate increase in crime. They also bring their backwards beliefs with them. About 1 in 3 "Syrian refugees" aren't even Syrian. They should take a patient overview, and not take in too many, or else you get rampant terror attacks, them making countries inside the countries, which work on entirely different justice system, the stuff going on with Rotherham (look it up), and them attacking Jews because they are Jews. Turns out Germany doesn't break down on Neo Nazis if they're from the Middle East. Before you say "it's just a minority". It's still there. We want that "minority" to be as small as possible. And these immigrants has a bigger "minority" than any other people in Europe.

[@sir_aken9706]

Happy Demon You spent way to much time writing and not enough time thinking about your claims

[@happydemon3038]

I need to write so much, because you talk about the video, the video is long, so I have to refute the video's claims (or at least some of them). I need to make it solid, so people don't just point at one thing, then brush it aside. You just brush it aside. Never addressing any of my points. So my points still stand, unchallenged.

[@sir_aken9706]

Happy Demon That's a good point, but I just don't have the time to refute all those points. Sorry dude

[@happydemon3038]

Ah, well that's understandable. It's just, you pretty much tried to dismiss it with the "not enough time thinking about your claims". It's like if someone said: "Your argument sucks, but it's long, so I wont bother refuting it." That people do that is the problem. But if it's just too long, then admitting it's going to take too much time is a far more valid response, than some dismissal.

[@celiamairead4176]

nothing is more satisfying than having knowledge, enough knowledge to form a view and voice on issues such as the refugee crisis. this video has given me that knowledge. thank you(:

[@AndreyBoyd]

The truth is simple. If you like bombing independent countries then you should like to help refugees from those states you have been bombing.

[@TheMistWalkar]

+Andrey Boyd What about the countries which haven't been bombing them? They should be allowed to send the refugees back?

[@AndreyBoyd]

+Nozomi Suzuki They usually don't complain about it. Do you know, that Syria accommodated the most number of refugees on its territory over the second Iraq company? If I am not mistaken, we are talking about 4 million people. This is a stunning figure, isn't it?

[@TheMistWalkar]

You didn't answer the question.

[@AndreyBoyd]

*****​ You are surprisingly right. Germany didn't bomb anybody, at least a few last decades. However, NATO did and Germany is a member of this organization.

[@AndreyBoyd]

Nozomi Suzuki​ I did not answered for two primary reasons. First, personaly If I were a decision maker I wouldn't send them back. But I understand people who would. And secondly, the question itself is incorrect, from my perspective Because, who has a right to allow or not allow independent country to send or to accomodate refugees.

[@carolamaral8726]

Jonh how can you talk about anything and make it intersting?

[@wiet111]

+Carol Amaral Well, John is brilliant. However, this topic is so important right now that it is not that hard to make it interesting. It is however hard to actually form an opinion that is not very dumb, and I think John did a great job at that.

[@Riffingtons]

+Carol Amaral Yeah, normally I find millions of people fleeing for their lives to be incredibly boring but this was fun to listen to.

[@wiet111]

Carol Amaral No, it doesn't sound ignorant. Sometimes the shit that's going on in the world just seems to get repetitive and you just can't be bothered. I find that I often feel the same. I just often get interested again by awesome in depth commentaries like this.

[@nanamihina]

+Carol Amaral This isn't meant as personal attack on you, but rather on the world you live (and the world I live as well, even if we don't live in the same country). You are privileged. You have the privilege of finding this dull and boring, and maybe you'd rather talk about other things, whatever they are, that aren't world wide crises... Your position in society gives you this privilege, because it's not close to you, and you're not the one suffering, whether as a refugee, whether as the ones dealing with this outside the refugees. They are dying out there, Europe is falling apart in so many ways it's unbelievable, and the bringing of thousands, millions of refugees into it means maybe the survival of said people, but who knows what the culture shock may bring. These people come from a culture that despises Europe and America. Most of them see women as inferior. It's not because they're in Europe that they'll stop viewing it like that, as you wouldn't were you in their country. I personally have no real fairy tale solution for this tale, and it scares me that it is so. But then again you don't really find this interesting, so you probably stopped reading at the second sentence.

[@carolamaral8726]

+nanahimina wow i feel so bad for saying this things and think in people that live on different ways :o I was just saying that jonh makes me curious about any subject that he says

[@FelinaAureola]

John, thank you so much for explaining all that's going on in Syria and the Middle East! I really enjoy your way of being very clear and honest about these very important things. And what the boy said, that the war needs to be stopped, is an idea we met quite often when we went to Lebanon in September and talked to various Lebanese and Syrian People. And I guess we need to understand, as you said, that this is a war and a crisis that affects all of us as humans. So thank you again for phrasing this so well!

[@arakashmahale1]

If Europe continue its open door policy, it'll see its results within 10 years at the peril of everything it stands for today!

[@Cki9351]

I didn't read all 6some thousand comments through so I'm not sure if I'm the first Hungarian to comment or not... But either way, let me give you a bit of insight from that point of view. I was born and raised in Hungary, though I now live in the U.S. and have been for 20 years, about half of my life now. I consider myself "fully assimilated", I went through higher education here, raised my children here, been paying my taxes and mortgage here, etc. You get the picture. However, I also have deep roots in Hungary and I understand their thought process. Hungary is a mostly invisible little country, awkwardly and uniquely stuck somewhere between the East and the West, not being able to fully identify with either. Our language is unique, and so is our culture. Still trying to recover from the damage caused by the communist regime and the following opportunistic one, that took advantage of the transition, Hungary is still in turmoil riddled with gypsy issues, poor economy and unemployment

[@Cki9351]

An influx of refugees is a burden on this country, one it is simply not equipped to support. Hungarians are famous for their hospitality. I know they would help, if they had the resources. But the uncontrollable flood of these people who are so completely culturally different and drain already limited resources at an unprecedented rate is something they simply cannot cope with. It's easy to judge from a nice white suburb American neighborhood, but if thousands of Muslims flooded your streets, John, threatening your livelihood, I'm sure you would have a different opinion.

[@meinhd1483]

+Cki9351 you're right

[@puupipo]

Hello, Nerdfighteria! A quick question: Is there a way for me to add Finnish subtitles to this video, and if there is , where can I find out how? I'm pretty sure I can figure out the technical details by myself, but if anyone could point me to the right direction, that'd be great. Thanks! DFTBA. UPDATE: John just replied to me on Twitter, saying that English captions will hopefully "be up by tomorrow and can then be translated." Yay!

[@RobotGirl]

+Joonas Puuppo I believe for the public to be able create subtitles on a video, in any language, the option needs to be made available by the creator. If that is done, there is an option under the settings letting you create subtitles in English, which KZbin can then translate into any language. I may not be 100% correct, but I believe this is how it works.

[@puupipo]

+XXHinata317XX Thanks for the quick reply. If that is the case, that's unfortunate. This is an important video and John does a great job of explaining the situation, but I have found that many Finns find these videos difficult to follow not necessarily because of a language barrier but rather because of how quickly John and Hank speak. Adding subtitles would make this video a lot more "shareable" among people who aren't native English speakers.

[@sarahkate2669]

there is a project for translating videos from the educational channels. here are some instructions. effyeahnerdfighters.com/post/113969775494/want-to-help-translate-scishow-videos you could contact effyeahnerdfighters if you run into problems. it would probably be possibly to campaign on twitter in order for john to open the video for translation.

[@AdamDavis444]

Information regarding video transcription can be found at nerdfighteria.info. Thanks for helping to increase access across language barriers!

[@RobotGirl]

I completely agree, I have friends who are deaf or hard of hearing, and I know they get very frustrated when they can't watch things like this because of the language barrier. It's always possible that John or Hank see comments like this and help to bridge that gap.

[@Sudarshankunwar]

This is the best video so far. Never made so realized that regional issue is always a global issue. Thanks Green brothers !

[@phattcat69]

Love your Videoes guys!! Thanks for your extended in depth Work!!!

[@SuperNever09]

Explain to me how someone coming from Turkey, or Greece, or Italy (places where there is NO WAR THREATENING THEM) farther into Europe is somehow a refugee and not a migrant.

[@Lenianaify]

+WOAHDUDE they hear about the fact, that Germany etc. are caring....Greece does not offer anything! no food, no water, no place to live! Even the UN tries to change that, but they do nothing right now. Turkey isn't as save as Germany... and Italy already has so many people. Imagine: If you have to flee, where will you go? Will you go to Turkey or to Germany? But think about this: If you go to Germany you're not a refugee anymore. How does that sound? Sensless? It is. :))

[@SuperNever09]

+Lenianaify There is no war that will kill them in the places they are leaving, therefore they aren't refugees once they've left Turkey, Greece, Italy ect... And they are not entitled to the rights of refugees, because they aren't refugees, they are migrants.

[@netsquall]

+WOAHDUDE Because thiose countries refuse to take them? Id on't understand how this is a hard concept.

[@SuperNever09]

+Jachim Soyer They don't refuse though, there are millions of refugees there, and I don't see why they can't stay there.

[@fuckakakaka]

+WOAHDUDE because GIB ME DAT

[@ellenvaladez9091]

Always love to hear John's thoughts on these more serious matters.

[@icebergvishnu]

wow...what a great channel. Thank you for explaining to us in clear and simple language.

[@lexihartley7764]

how do you feel about The Catcher in the Rye and whether or not it should be in schools?

[@MarjoleinVeenendaal]

John, you have once again created a masterpiece. This is clear and helpful to everybody. One thing that really frustrates me as a European (I'm Dutch) is that I know I (or my country) could be part of the solution, but I feel so powerless against all these politicians who will have endless debates with one another and do everything in their power to keep these people out of the country. Since when is it okay to say "well, you've just been born on the wrong side of this arbitrary line, so screw you and your problems"? How can I help these people (other than by donating) independently from my government? Because they sure aren't doing much about it now!!

[@clubdrunkify]

+Marjolein Verbeek Go and fight in Syria. You are trying to take the easy way out.

[@arealfpsdiehard]

+clubdrunkify Yes fight in Syria and displace more people who haven't yet fled the country. FUCK SAKE

[@Wo0dGlue]

+Marjolein Verbeek Democracy nowaday is another word for Oligarchy.

[@ilyjesus07]

I've been waiting for this video! You sure don't disappoint John, this was very informative and helpful! Thank you. I think a lot of people are not really aware about the international law regarding refugees. but even so, I can't believe there are people who are so apathetic about the issue. We're all human beings, we are responsible with one another, regardless of race, religion, social status, gender.

[@mystolencamera]

+Mikka Ella true. even I was not aware of international rights of refugee until now. I wonder why the local & international news don't talk about it more.. -.-)

[@toffi6036]

+Harper Avery In Germany their going crazy about this stuff in the news...

[@ilyjesus07]

+TheOrigen89 I know compliance with international law is voluntary and no country really gets punished if they don't oblige. But I disagree that they don't matter. I think international laws at least give us a baseline on what should be expected on a country regarding international issues.

[@chahrazedguezguez2879]

I love you guys, I LOVE YOU GUYS! I hope you can keep spreading good knowledge and reach more people. All the strength and luck for all the people helping making this videos!

[@Neonb88]

John, I hope you and Hank have heard this before, but the world needs you two to run for office. The depth of thought you two put into decisions would lead to potential successes that few politicians are interested in making today. I don't know whether it's financially feasible for either of you to run for office, but I would be deeply grateful, and people around the world, though they might not thank you, also stand to benefit

[@jodie4916]

I was waiting for someone to clearly explain the crisis in a short(ish) amount of time. Thank you, I now have a much better understanding because of you John.

[@arunkhanna7210]

I think it's extremely sad that our politicians can easily spend hundreds of billions of dollars in the military, and can''t spend anything on humanitarian causes like this. Thanks for the video John...

[@weloveit24]

You just put in better words all I have been thinking about since I first read something about the refugee crisis.

[@rizkiputra7858]

I hope there are many people like you in this world...

[@cirvis240]

Losing some serious respect points right here,vlogbrother... Europe is willing to help, but when you disrespect the international laws that grant you safety in the first place... It's real easy to point fingers from your armchair, John, when you are not letting in hundreds if thousands Isis millitants, because no id's, no control, no contacting the officials of the first country you step foot in. Seriously, a little less bias, please.

[@w3irdo13]

+cirvis240 "but when you disrespect the international laws that grant you safety in the first place" Like turning refugees away in times of unrest?

[@cirvis240]

***** What do you mean? You mean Juncker announcing distributing extra 120000 refugees between European nations? And no, i'm yet to hear Europe sending people back to Syria. Anyway if the problems were easy to fix, it wouldn't be called a crisis.

[@cirvis240]

***** They have done this on multiple videos about similar topics, the bias is huge. I am all for helping people in need as many if not most Europeans are, but when it's so chaotic only more problems will arise.

[@AmeliaBell28]

I just realized how much Nerdfighteria has changed me because my initial reaction to John's suggestion to help by donating to UNHCR or Save the Children was "I wish I had my own money that I could donate... Maybe I can do a school fundraiser or something." Pre-Nerdfighter Amelia would never have been so passionate about something like this. Thanks to Nerdfighteria for making me so much more socially conscious and eager to make a difference! Hopefully, Patrick Ness's fundraiser can help in creating better conditions for refugees.

[@Enax22085]

Thank you just truly thank you for saying all of that!

[@fkabici967]

+Cathalina Elena There's so much bias in this video, it's faker than barbie -_-

[@Enax22085]

+estomnetempus no it's just the truth. or what do u want to do about the refugees?

[@fkabici967]

+Cathalina Elena bitch seriously? he's just spouting propaganda all over this crap -_- Europe is the bad guy because we're defending our culture, and the USA are good because.......why again? Arming ISIS? Arming everything? If you really wan't to know the truth, just google these : cologne, germany attacks ; paris atatcks ; rape of sweeden ;) ;) ;)

[@Enax22085]

+estomnetempus he did say that Europe does alright. And thanks I live in Cologne I don't think I'll have to google what happened here.

[@MrJonnieray]

Funny how time works...here we are a year-and-a-half later and the chaos that these poor refugees are causing all across Europe is undeniable. Yeah; even in SWEDEN. Sometimes we have to act on our thoughts; not our feelings. Mr. Green: you're definitely intelligent, and your heart is most-certainly in the right place, but life is tricky and politics trickier. The EU had every right then and even more so now of a right--if not a downright responsibility--to refuse refugees. I still LOVE these videos...thank you guys for teaching us so much...please don't hate me for disagreeing.

[@beckiejbrown]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@kristenr6385]

I've been looking for a good overall explanation of this issue for a few days now, and who better to explain it comprehensively than John!

[@RedHair651]

Who made the subtitles? In the beginning of the boy talking about stopping the conflict, there's a bit marked as unintelligible. This bit is is "My message:...". Great video!

[@quintinsweat]

Powerful video, and nothing but the truth.

[@pebblepod30]

I do believe that Refugee entry, by Consent, is a good Gift to give. It also left out some things - such as that only 20% of those coming by Forced Entry were from Syria and Genuine Refugees. It also assumes others share certain philosophies. For example, not everyone considers Law made by people that didn't go through a democratic process involving them to be valid. And that they desire to & are capable of integration. This Interview with a long term Refugee Advocate & Helper, shows that may not be correct: arbeitsgruppefluchtundmenschenrechte.wordpress.com/2018/02/11/interview-with-rebecca-sommer-english/

[@pebblepod30]

As I said, I feel that Refugee status is a very good Gift to give someone. However, I believe the Nationalists are more ethical in their Principles than the Corporate Globalists who force this on others & try to suppress free speech. Though I do believe some of them could go too far, same as the Far Left with Forced Open Borders & no respect for Democracy that the Corporate Globalists appear to have. The article I posted used to be on the Wikipedia entry for "Rebecca Sommers". Now it is all deleted. Just like with the attempts to suppress information coming out with Swedish crime rates & with the Cologne assaults. I feel that "lying or deceiving for a good cause" is always wrong.

[@pebblepod30]

Please recognize I'm talking about Forced Entry, not those who ask & are invited. Like in everyday life, the problem with it being forced open borders is that it is uncontrollable. The level of true Refugees taken (Syrians) could be up to each elected leader or parliament.

[@Inucat]

I am writing my thesis about the EU asylum politics and the discrepancy between norms an actual policies. I found a source from 2005 were quite a lot of problems were listed that the EU still hasn't solved. The problem is not the smuggling because they are rescued as soon as they see the boats. The problem is rather the Dublin Treaty which keeps refugees in the outer countries and they are not equally distributed across the Union and the outer countries are the poorer EU nations. Thanks for mentioning that the long term solution is to solve the Syria IS crisis and that the surrounding countries need help, which is interestingly enough one of the few things the EU is really good at. Did you know that the EU is the worldwide biggest giver of development aid?

[@wiet111]

+Inucat That sounds like a fascinating (and insanely complex) topic. I did indeed know that the EU is the worldwide biggest giver, but that is not very surprising if you look at the government budgets, which I'm pretty sure are the highest in the world. I completely agree that the Dublin treaty causes a lot of problems, but I am not entirely sure if the EU is really good at helping other countries. They are good at giving money, but it is highly debated whether or not it actually helps. I've heard loads of arguments that development aid causes other countries to be dependent on Europe, is harmful for democracy and participation from the people, increases corruption, etcetera. The effectiveness of development aid is incredibly complex (and also definitely worth a thesis :) ), but I wouldn't say that the EU is really good at helping. They certainly try more than most other regions though, which is very admirable.

[@markog1999]

+wiet111 eh, biggest government budgets? jave you heard of this place called murica? where they spend billions on a military which seems to only ever make situations worse?

[@wiet111]

markog1999 The US probably indeed spends the most of any individual country, but the entirety of the EU most certainly has a much higher budget than America (Source: Tradingeconomics)

[@Inucat]

markog1999 the budget definitely is quite big. difficult to find numbers because normally the EU members are listed separately and not as one nation. but we are talking about 28 nations and even though Greece and other South states as well as some Eastern states are struggling, all in all Europe is financially well off. The refugees (these are btw mostly from the Balkan area) are not all coming over for safety but also for a good health system, good affordable education, good job market and financial security.

[@Inucat]

wiet111 yeah difficult topic but I have to write 60 pages and at least that way I have something to write about :) Yeah giving money is easier, but the EU as an institution is slow and inefficient. They can't agree on much else and by giving financial aid they are hoping to promote human right. There are some restrictions on getting the aid and one is that you have to follow and protect human rights. Also I don't believe that they give all of the money to the government. They invest in companies as well as far as I know.

[@pinocolada5584]

Dear John Green, You are the most unbiased human being I have ever "met". This may seem untrue to you , but two things make it more likely. I am only fourteen years old, and you doubt yourself too much. The reason I am commenting is that I wish you were the president of the United States. Funny maybe, but you can do a hell of a better job than the candidates for 2016 that I've heard of. The fact that you'll never read this comment actually made me cry, and I don't cry often. Love, your admirer Travis.

[@jackdole3537]

+Travis H Seems to have a pretty strong leftist bias to me.

[@VintageLJ]

+Travis H 1. This is cringy as fuck 2. He is incredibly liberally biased. It seems he is incapable of thinking from the perspective of the peoples he demonizes.

[@phxtonash]

check out Bernie Sanders

[@95pack]

please don't breed

[@fuckakakaka]

+Travis H if you agree with everything someone says makes them the opposite of unbias

[@julianitaoso]

watching this video in 2017 is just heart breaking

[@rajveertandon3833]

i ha to prepare for an mun with this agenda your video was the equivilant of many articles this was damn helpfull thank you so much

[@ladygagagagax4]

Thank you, John.

[@Iunio92]

As an Australian, I am sorry for our Government and its policy regarding asylum seekers. It makes me cringe to think of what other countries think of us :(

[@Iunio92]

lol

[@Iunio92]

+Rock Strongo should I also suck their dick for the rest of their retarded conservative policies too? I don't know why I should be punished twice for their mistakes (of which there are many)

[@mongoliancarrot]

+Iunio92 Most Europeans wish they had the same policy. Australia accepts thousands of legal immigrants from all different backgrounds, but the key word is LEGAL.

[@xtranormal23]

+Iunio92 Don't be sorry, fam. Your government is doing exactly what all governments should be doing.

[@klaraxing]

its really nice to see you realising the problems of your government. because ofcourse its a huge problem and loads of countries arent doing anything to help children in need. they are dying!! they arent coming to live off of our taxes they just want safety

[@MariamTaufeeq]

'Just stop the war.' This makes my heart ache.

[@LiveLoveJBiebss]

john, i think a discussion on the dublin regulation would have been helpful in this context

[@MessiSeconds]

Thank you for this video (and videos like this) John. It is appreciated to no end.

[@Emilieii]

Thank you for helping me understand the refugee crisis, I've heard so much discussion about it but not enough explanation of what it was. I hope you are taking care of yourself. I'm busy with college right now but one day soon I hope to get around to reading some of your books.

[@kensleyschonauer5130]

thank you john. I didn't really know what to think about this crisis because I had very different information coming from different sources, but you really changed my views, not even really considering the facts, but reflecting on my own moral standards considering this event.

[@JeroenDoes]

A few years late to the party but you mentioned that a lot of the "refugees" you are talking about were located in Turkije before moving to Europe. But you also classified a "refugee" as someone fleeing a country for safety reason. The people in Turkije are no longer in fear of their lives. Once they reached a country such as Turkije they are no linger fleeing for their safety but for better financial prospects and by your own wording become migrants.

[@wearenumberone1111]

hey there you see turkey has been taking care of there refugees for years and turkey is basically at its limit they are crashing the economy so they have opened the borders to have some breathing room I hope you understand

[@phnexOice]

This video gives me hope for humanity, the xenophobic, racist comments do not.

[@phnexOice]

Of course what the hell did I expect it's the Internet.

[@rjfaber1991]

+phnexOice I don't think the internet is the problem. People are spoiled twats, that's the issue. We're richer than we've ever been in Europe, and with that we're more capable than ever to take in large numbers of refugees, but the idea that we might have to give up a small amount of wealth in favour of those in crying need goes against human nature. I really wish more people (particularly those with the right to vote) would use rational thought instead of basal selfish instincts...

[@emlmm88]

@@rjfaber1991 I also think that the alt-right crazies are overrepresented in comment sections, and on the internet generally. I feel like I just need to constantly reassure myself that no matter what, we outnumber them. Reasonable, compassionate people are a majority in this country and around the world. We just need to find our solidary, stand up together, and get to work.

[@fdllicks]

We are witnessing a very important time in Europes history now. We are seeing the transformation and evolution of Europe into a Muslim land. Generally, Europeans have 1-2 children per family. Muslims have at least 6 children on average. In 20 yrs, Europe will become a very different place. It will become almost a part of or extension of the Middle East. The old Catholic churches will be torn down and replaced with mosques. It is a very important time in Europe and we are seeing it as it happens.

[@Blameberg]

+fdllicks Naive liberals still dont understand that .the economical invaders are coming because of two reasons.Rich welfare systems and seeding the Islam in european countries. Its humanitary jihad. Stupid liberal atheists and christians dont understand how these 3rd world muslims thinking. they are not weak humanists

[@paulaacosta9954]

+fdllicks Islam is not new in Europe,learn history

[@jlm8001]

+PATO Paula Acosta Oh, you mean like when they invaded before? Sure, but that's hardly a reason for Europeans not to be apprehensive about what's going on these days..!

[@paulaacosta9954]

JLM I'm very sad for what is going on right now, all I wanna say is YOU DESERVE IT

[@jlm8001]

+PATO Paula Acosta Why does Europe 'deserve' to be invaded by Islam when they were invaded by Islam before? The Crusades were actually a counter-attack to years of Muslim invasion. What exactly are you sad about?

[@pwlyons759]

Louie Wallenberg, I feel you. I hurt that you hurt. and I have seen videos depicting the very things you mentioned. I will be watching to see if they respond to your inquiries.

[@s02229]

I am doing an argumentative essay about this topic for an assignment. this has been really helpful. Also I would like to know more about the South Sudan situation, it would be awesome if you or Hank make one about that, DFTBA :)