Every day, millions of families around the world are forced to flee their homes – often with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. They leave behind a life of poverty, hunger and insecurity for the hope of a better future. For some, this means becoming refugees in another country or migrating to escape conflict or persecution. Others simply need a place to live. But their desperate search for peace and a safe home is often met with policies that make it difficult to survive in exile.
Refugee crises don’t just happen, they are caused by decisions made by governments and international bodies. At the micro level, governments may view refugee situations in strategic terms rather than as humanitarian concerns. In turn, this can lead to scapegoating and manipulation of refugee populations, as well as political instability in both host and sending countries.
Similarly, international bodies like the UN and regional organisations tend to focus on emergency responses rather than medium-term development solutions that address the root causes of displacement. This can limit their capacity to protect the rights of refugees and other vulnerable groups and to provide viable alternatives for them.
Refugees are also hampered by their lack of legal means to work or access education, making them more vulnerable to sexual violence and other forms of abuse. This, combined with a sense of powerlessness, can lead to high levels of mental health problems and a greater risk of suicide.
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