The world’s refugee population is at a twenty-year high. More than half come from just three states experiencing protracted civil war: Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. At the same time, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) is also at an all-time high.
Many host states are concerned about the destabilizing effects of large refugee populations. They may fear an upsurge in political, ethnic or religious tensions. Refugees frequently share the ethnic characteristics of local communities that are in conflict, so they can be perceived as a demographic threat. They can also suffer exploitation by criminal gangs. Finally, they can feel resentment against richer, more distant states that refuse to share the burden of hosting them.
Moreover, attempts to resolve conflict by promoting refugee return often backfire. Returning refugees often end up internally displaced, which undermines peace-building efforts and increases the risk of new conflicts. The failure of states to agree on a common approach to refugees is also damaging, as it creates distrust among both humanitarian organizations and host governments.
Despite these challenges, it is still essential to provide shelter and assistance to those forced to leave their homes. We must stop states from deterring refugee movements by imposing barriers, and instead work together to save lives. This means investing in search and rescue operations, and allowing people to cross borders legally and safely, whether they are trying to reach safety or just want to live. In the end, refugees and other displaced people should have the right to freedom of movement, to access work and education, to live in dignity and safety, and to be free from abuse and discrimination.
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