The world is facing the largest displacement of people since World War II. More families than ever are fleeing violence and looking for safety and a better future. But too often, governments fail to meet their obligations to protect them.
Refugees’ needs are different at each stage of their journey. They need safe places to live and play, good education for their children and access to jobs. They need to be safe from trafficking gangs and have a voice in their host communities. They need to be able to return home when conditions allow them to do so.
Unfortunately, many wealthy countries treat refugees as “someone else’s problem.” They hide behind closed borders and fear of being “flooded.” In the meantime, poorer Middle Eastern, African and South Asian states have borne the brunt of the crisis. They host an incredible 86% of the global refugee population, even as their economies struggle and their resources dwindle.
This system is unsustainable. Governments must invest in the well-being of all their citizens, including refugees, and respect their human rights. They must investigate and prosecute trafficking gangs that exploit refugees, provide them with legal protection, and promote a culture of tolerance and inclusion in their communities. They must also stop blaming migrants and refugees for economic problems and fight all forms of xenophobia and discrimination. Ultimately, this will help address the root causes of the crisis and reduce the number of people forced to flee their homes.
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