The world needs local policies to address the global refugee crisis

Disrupted lives deserve the relief of policies aimed at refugee well-being, welcoming host communities and local integration

- MEENUKA MATHEW

The recent Greek coast shipwreck tragedy was another reminder that the lives of people fleeing remain at risk because they lack safe-legal routes, solidarity and life-saving assistance. Refugees are not migrants by choice. They have grounded reasons to leave their homes behind. To seek asylum is a Universal Human Right (Article 14) and not a crime. The global refugee crisis has grown enormously since 2010. Increasing sociopolitical, economic and environmental uncertainties can make any country insecure, resulting in people fleeing. Therefore, every country is responsible for providing safe harbour to asylum seekers.

South Asia, host to 3 million refugees, lacks inclusive policies to help steadily growing numbers. Refugees in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are from neighbouring regions. The region experiences protracted situations that demand local solutions, rather than relying only on refugee frameworks to which the countries are not signatories.

Why is the refugee system broken?: Long-standing refugee situations, such as the Syrian conflict’s exodus, Rohingya movement from Myanmar, Afghan displacement and many others, are far from reaching any settlement. Unfortunately, solutions are sought within an outdated framework that can no longer absorb new migration regimes. Thus, depending on current international frameworks to address global problems is unsustainable.

Locally, refugee issues are approached from a ‘management framework’, claiming the necessity to ‘manage’ the crisis, thus restricting entry. From redirecting and stopping small boats to building walls have become a response to people fleeing painful circumstances. Such policies are adopted by administrations that lack the political will for sustainable solutions. Ironically, the global north hosts only 15% of the world’s refugees, but has financial power over refugee organizations.