Millions of people worldwide have fled their homes due to war, natural disasters or extreme poverty. Many of them have no choice but to rebuild their lives in countries that are not their own. They are often displaced for years and some never return home. This means that displaced children, women and men have to deal with multiple challenges. They need to find safety, secure a livelihood and integrate into their new communities. They also have to overcome the stigma, xenophobia and discrimination they face in their host countries.
In addition to their human suffering, refugees have to live with a lack of support and access to basic needs, which is partly because their country of asylum doesn’t always provide them with adequate assistance. They are at particular risk of secondary displacement and destabilization, especially if their host states don’t accept them or impose restrictions on their rights. They can also be vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs who take advantage of their financial and emotional vulnerability.
All governments must stop blaming refugees and migrants for economic problems, and instead fight all forms of xenophobia and discrimination. It’s not only deeply unfair, but it can lead to violence – and even death – for people who simply seek to make a better life for themselves and their families. It is also vital to investigate and prosecute traffickers who exploit refugees and migrants for profit, and put their lives at risk.