Almost every day, families around the world leave their homes, seeking safety and better lives. Some become refugees, fleeing persecution or conflict, while others migrate to escape back-breaking poverty.
While hospitality towards migrants is a core national value for many countries, they can reach their limit when a large influx of people is poorly managed. Local populations may fear that refugees will put additional pressure on welfare programs or compete for scarce jobs. This can create tensions, as well as undermine a refugee’s sense of belonging and social inclusion.
In addition, refugee communities often lack economic and educational opportunities, exposing them to exploitation and other forms of vulnerability. Some countries even resort to scapegoating refugees to deflect attention from their own failings, such as poor regional security and domestic instability.
The current crisis has reached critical proportions. The global refugee population is now at its highest level since the Second World War, with the vast majority of those displaced by war or natural disasters living outside their country of origin. Moreover, refugee return rates have dropped sharply, and more people are leaving their home countries than ever before.
The world’s richest countries must increase their support for refugees. They must also take their share of the responsibility for those displaced by conflict and natural disasters. This includes investigating and prosecuting gangs that exploit refugees and migrants for profit, putting their lives at risk.