A refugee crisis is a massive displaced population – at least 40 million people worldwide. They leave behind their homes, possessions and families – sometimes with nothing but the clothes on their back. They suffer from extreme poverty and often flee from war, persecution, human rights abuses and natural disaster. In many cases they are seeking asylum or other forms of international protection.
The root causes of refugee crises include persecution for racial, social or religious reasons. From Jews fleeing Nazi Germany to Muslims in Myanmar, and from Tamils to Sri Lankans, a lack of security and protection often leads to flight and displacement.
Natural disasters – including those exacerbated by climate change – can also trigger a refugee crisis. Floods, earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires, which are increasing globally, can displace people both internally and across borders.
Countries that are signatories to the Geneva Convention are obligated to protect refugees who arrive at their borders. However, host countries can sometimes push back or expel refugees, which violates international refugee law and increases vulnerability. This is particularly true if the original country of origin remains unstable or at risk of conflict and violence.
All countries must combat all types of xenophobia, discrimination and racism towards refugees, migrants and minorities, which increases tensions, fuels fears of “otherness” and can lead to violence and even death. They must also ensure that refugees and migrants can legally work, and not be trapped in a distorted informal economy, with no access to formal markets and employment opportunities.