For people fleeing persecution or conflict, finding a safe place to rebuild their lives is not easy. They often leave everything behind, travel long distances with little or nothing and can face many obstacles as they settle into a new community. It’s even more difficult for refugees, who come to a country with little or no knowledge of the language and with very limited resources.
Refugee crises are not new, but there’s been a steady decline in the ability of refugees to return home – and the capacity of governments and the international community to respond to their needs. It’s clear that the system for protecting people who are displaced is broken.
Hospitality toward migrants is a core value in most countries, but a growing number of societies reach their limits as they struggle to meet the rising demands on welfare systems and employment opportunities created by refugee influxes. It is no wonder that the plight of millions of refugees becomes increasingly politicized. Manipulation of refugee populations for political purposes is not only morally wrong but also reduces their safety, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
The only way to solve a refugee crisis is by ending the wars and other conflicts that create displacement in the first place. That is why it’s essential that wealthy nations step up their efforts to welcome and integrate more refugees, including through cash assistance – which provides greater flexibility than handouts of tents or food and helps make scarce funds go further.