Cate Blanchett slams ‘dangerous myths’ about refugees at European Parliament

“No one puts their children on a boat unless the water is safer than land.” Australian actress Cate Blanchett, a goodwill ambassador for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), on Wednesday called on members of the European Parliament to speak out against “dangerous myths” that fuel “fear” and anti-politics.

Before the Brussels semicircle, she began by discussing the war between Israel and Hamas, repeating UNHCR’s call for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate release of all civilians held hostage,” to applause from the assembly. “The conflict has and continues to cost thousands of innocent lives,” she added.

Cate Blanchett recalled that around the world, wars, natural disasters and political upheavals have caused the displacement of 114 million people. She noted that among the exiles who fled their country, the vast majority remained in neighboring states. “I urge each of you to vigorously confront the dangerous myth, which is too widespread and fuels too much fear and hostility, that all refugees are heading to Europe,” she said.

“Barbed wire is not the solution”

Regarding exiles who risk their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean, the Australian artist stressed that “no one puts their children on a boat unless the water is safer than land”, adding that “walls, barbed wire, pushing back are not the solution ” She expressed the “shame” of “many of her countrymen” at the migration policies “now discredited and largely abandoned” by her country, Australia, which for years sent illegal immigrants trying to reach its coasts to offshore camps.

She also confirmed that the Geneva Refugee Convention, adopted in 1951 and questioned by UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, is “still relevant” and “foundational to our common humanity”.

The actress, who cited several testimonies from refugees she encountered during her missions for UNHCR, called on MEPs to “ensure that EU policy is focused on protecting them, not on strengthening borders.” She also warned the EU about the financial needs of humanitarian agencies. “As the number of people forced to flee their homes increases, overall funding falls,” she said, recalling that UNHCR alone urgently needs $600 million by the end of the year.