Currently, a small number of countries take responsibility for most of the world’s refugees. It’s time for wealthy nations to step up and do their share.
People flee because they fear persecution or are unable to meet basic needs such as food, water and shelter. They need international protection and assistance. Conflict, natural disasters, and climate change are the main causes of displacement. The global refugee crisis is a human rights emergency and it must be addressed urgently.
Governments must recognize the need to tackle the root causes of displacement. They must also respect the dignity and humanity of displaced people and support their resilience. They must put the safety of refugees and migrants before their political interests and stop blaming them for economic or social problems. They must investigate and prosecute trafficking gangs that exploit them, and put an end to discriminatory practices such as xenophobia and racism that can cause ill-treatment, even violence.
Refugees need access to education, jobs, and public services so they can rebuild their lives and contribute to society. However, limited resources often hinder the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver these services. The humanitarian crisis is further complicated by destabilizing factors, such as host-state internal conflict or attempts to manipulate displaced populations for unrelated gains. It’s vital to consider the full context of each displacement crisis, so aid can be targeted where it’s most needed. This will help reduce the chances of secondary displacement and increase the sustainability of solutions such as local integration and resettlement.