A refugee crisis is an emergency that occurs when large groups of people are displaced from their homes. While most refugees flee from persecution, some leave due to natural disasters – floods, earthquakes and hurricanes – and climate change – drought, desertification and rising sea levels. These events can trigger a displacement crisis even if they do not cross borders, because of the impact on people’s livelihoods and living conditions.
The consequences of a refugee crisis are wide-ranging and often intertwined with conflict, security, and economics. They often exacerbate state instability and societal tensions, especially when host states feel they are not adequately prepared to support a displaced population or that their citizens are being overshadowed by the new arrivals. They can also exacerbate international tensions, as they tend to involve populations of different faiths and ethnicities. Large numbers of refugees can stoke fears of radicalization and fuel political unrest in their host countries, or even between them and the countries they are fleeing from.
While humanitarian relief and resettling refugees are vitally important, the world’s most effective way to address a refugee crisis is to tackle the causes of displacement. This means resolving conflicts and ending persecution, not just stopping it at the border. It also means ensuring that refugee protections are not undermined, and that those who wish to return home can do so voluntarily. It also requires open, safe routes to sanctuary, so people don’t have to spend their life savings on rickety boats and put their lives in danger.
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