Like Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s dramatic play, “the milk of human kindness” is distasteful stuff to the wealthy Muslim Gulf states wallowing in dollars, feeling snug and safe cocooned in comfort in the full protection of the western world.

The European Union, and that does not include the ultra-rich states of Norway and Switzerland, is splashing out €3 billion to improve the conditions of thousands of migrants in reception camps in Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

Furthermore, it is offering asylum seekers a new home and a safety line, although, at times, grudgingly. Germany alone has already opened its doors to over a million refugees and is prepared to receive more.

In the face of this huge calamity, Asia, with its global economic giants like China, Singapore, Brunei and, to a certain extent, India, has not been touched by the predicament of their brethren from the same continent.

The humanism preached by the great Erasmus in the 16th century has finally filtered through to our European leaders. Europe seems to be rediscovering its Christian roots of solidarity and tangible support, ably supported by a charismatic Pope who does not lack in human kindness.

We should be most proud that we belong to the ‘Europe of Abel’, a shining beacon of light in a time of darkness and where the milk of human kindness flows generously for those who need it most.