Every day, families are forced to leave their homes. Some flee to escape war or persecution, and some search for safety and a better life without crossing borders. But whatever the reason, people who are displaced struggle to survive. They are targeted for violence, face unequal treatment and opportunities, and cannot access basic necessities like water, food, and education. With the world facing a refugee crisis, now is the time to act.
The vast majority of refugees are women and children, who must contend with sexual exploitation, gender-based violence, and poor living conditions in camps. They are also more vulnerable to climate change impacts, as evidenced by the soaring levels of malnutrition experienced in some countries hosting refugees. They are a population in urgent need of protection and support from wealthy countries that can afford to do so.
Large-scale refugee populations present serious challenges for host states, whose leaders often worry about the destabilizing effects of such influxes on their societies. Many displaced people share ethnic and religious characteristics with local communities in conflict, making it easy for politicians to portray them as a threat. This can escalate into scapegoating and manipulation, and it may distract from the focus on addressing root causes of displacement.
The international community must take a more collective approach to this issue and address the root causes of displacement, which include impunity, corruption, and food insecurity exacerbated by climate change. It is time to stop the race to the bottom, and wealthier countries must increase their contributions to refugees.