When human-made crises like war or natural disasters displace large numbers of people, they often become entangled in wider political and security concerns. Refugees and internally displaced persons can exacerbate tensions between neighboring states, and host and donor countries may be concerned about destabilization in the country of origin or regional instability.
This complex reality makes it harder for refugees to return home or even to find a safe place to stay. Those in transit, such as women and children from Syria, face the threat of attack, trafficking, or death on their way to other places. They do not have access to adequate healthcare, education, and work. And their chances of being resettled are diminishing as wealthy nations tighten their asylum policies and cut their aid budgets.
We need to put saving lives first. Governments must stop blaming refugees and migrants for economic and social problems, combat all kinds of xenophobia and racial discrimination, and make sure they protect those who are most vulnerable. And they should invest in more robust asylum systems and increase the number of countries that offer protection. This is the only way to make global protection more equitable. Currently, poorer Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian countries host 86% of all refugees. This race to the bottom must end. The world’s wealthiest nations must step up to share responsibility.