Richard Gere urges addressing migration's root causes with a moral approach

American actor and philanthropist Richard Gere has called for a fundamental shift in how migration is addressed, urging a focus on its root causes and a moral perspective rather than solely relying on restrictive security policies. Speaking at an initiative on migration in Berlin, Gere highlighted the tendency to dehumanize migrants, stating, "We often talk about migrants as if they are different from us. As if they belong to another category of human beings."

“

We often talk about migrants as if they are different from us. As if they belong to another category of human beings.

Gere countered this by emphasizing the universal human drive for security, opportunity, and a better future. He reminded the audience that virtually everyone has a family history of migration, including his own ancestors who traveled on the Mayflower. He recounted his 2019 experience aboard the Spanish NGO rescue ship Open Arms, where he witnessed firsthand the harrowing stories of individuals fleeing atrocities, underscoring that migration is "a deeply human story. It is about people. About dignity."

While acknowledging that migration is often discussed through statistics, border policies, and political manipulation, Gere stressed that it is fundamentally about human dignity. He invoked religious traditions that advocate for helping those in suffering, especially when resources are available. However, he argued that lasting solutions require examining the original causes of migration, which he stated do not emerge "in a vacuum."

“

The migration is often discussed through statistics, border policies, quotas or electoral campaigns, or pure and hard racism, manipulation. But before any of these things, it is a deeply human story. It is about people. About dignity.

Among these causes, Gere identified the impacts of colonialism, lack of opportunities and human rights, conflicts, climate change, demographic issues, and corruption. He criticized current policies for often prioritizing short-term political goals over long-term solutions, leading to a cycle where development aid is increasingly tied to migration control and border management is outsourced. The initiative presented aims to rigorously examine these dynamics to find a more effective and humane path forward.

“

Admitting this history does not have to do with blaming current generations (...). We cannot change history, but we can decide whether to ignore its consequences or help confront them.