Refugee crisis
Large-scale forced displacement imposes tremendous strains on host countries, refugees and donors. It can exacerbate political, ethnic or religious tensions within a state or between displaced people and host citizens. It can fuel a cycle of economic hardship, deprivation and dependency that feeds into xenophobia and resentment. It can engender violence and extremism. And it may create opportunities for criminal exploitation and manipulation.
As a result, the international response to refugee crises often focuses on managing displacement, neglecting efforts to address the root causes. Early responses may focus on functional and practical actions, such as meeting basic needs and addressing the logistics of displacement. But if the situation is protracted, refugee communities can become trapped in the same cycles of deprivation, conflict and resentment. In the long term, their ability to access legal work and education can increase their resilience, reducing tensions and the potential for a distorted informal or illegal economy.
Local integration involves enabling refugees to settle permanently in their new locations, allowing them to start a new chapter in their lives and build self-sufficiency. It is increasingly recognized that this should be the goal of any international response to a refugee crisis, though it requires significant political will. At present, many refugees remain stuck in camps that have little security and are far from the centers of urban areas, where they can gain access to legal employment. In addition, attempts to reduce a host-state’s risks by restricting refugee movement and access to jobs can backfire, further isolating refugees and increasing the risk of crime.
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