"There is a method to the scandal. Human rights and human dignity are violated on a daily basis in Traiskirchen. Refugees are not granted asylum in the camp. On the contrary. They are subjected to disease, filth, mass distress, disgrace and dishonour. They seek protection in Europe and encounter misery that is often reminiscent of the suffering they managed to escape with their last ounce of strength. The state of emergency has become part of everyday life. While politics and bureaucracy fail, civil society and local initiatives demonstrate the responsibility and compassion that those in charge lack.

Like many small communities, the city of Vienna is proving through many a targeted initiative that the power of official organisation can be unobtrusively combined with the willingness of the population to help. We are witnessing a daily demonstration of compassion that does not call for protest, but for help. In the last few days, there have been manifestations of solidarity that give the lie to all fear-mongers.