One billionaire's dream to build a refugee utopia

 

"Greece or Italy sell me an island, I'll [declare] its independence and host the migrants and provide jobs for them building their new country," Sawiris tweeted . And this brave, new refugee republic would be named Ilan, the Egyptian tycoon later elaborated , in honour of Aylan Kurdi, the drowned Syrian child   whose haunting image shook the holder.

The scheme, though extremely costly for the Egyptian billionaire, sounds impressively self-sufficient. Housing, educational and other infrastructure on the uninhabited island would be built, and presumably operated, by the refugees themselves, providing them with a shot at independence and dignity, rather than the marginalisation and unemployment that often greets those fleeing conflict.

Sawiris' implied faith in the refugees' abilities, work ethic and potential for productivity is an implicit jab at Europe's anti-immigrant right, who regard refugees and migrants as lazy layabouts and a threat to their way of life. It would also help boost Europe's capacity to absorb refugees by providing it with a purpose-built refuge. "

read more in the newstory by Khaled Diab
One billionaire's dream to build a refugee utopia - Al Jazeera English