Every day, people around the world are forced to flee their homes – some because of persecution or conflict, others due to poverty. They leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and often face obstacles and barriers as they seek safety and opportunity in a new home.
Global leaders need to focus on solving the refugee crisis by putting saving lives first, and ensuring that refugees are protected throughout the journey. They need to investigate and prosecute gangs that traffic refugees and migrants, and put people’s safety above all else. And they need to combat all forms of xenophobia and discrimination, which is deeply unfair, stirs up tensions and fear of foreigners, and can lead to violence and even death.
Many governments and communities are struggling to respond to the challenges posed by growing numbers of people who have been displaced. This strain can aggravate existing political, ethnic or religious tensions within the host state and between states. It can also increase the likelihood of conflict, particularly if wealthy Western countries fail to resettle enough refugees.
Locally, we can support efforts to help people survive and thrive by donating money or time to organizations that work with refugees and migrants. We can also raise awareness by talking to our friends and family about the refugee crisis and challenging myths and prejudice. And when there are parliamentary elections, we can vote for politicians who want to put into practice solutions that will solve the crisis.
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