Migration at times creates the problems of human trafficking and refugees across the globe. In certain pockets, it has created quagmire and terrorism

The heads of the States of  the Quad Group — India, Australia, Japan and the US — recently held a meeting to counter the Chinese threat and to ensure a free and secure Indo-Pacific. Analysts are of the view that it will provide the much-needed impetus to work out a new security road map in dealing with most obnoxious forms of modern terrorism. It is a welcome development as it would provide a platform for multilayered security cooperation to deal with various other issues like funding of terrorist activities, policing cooperation and dealing with cyber threat  through enhancing the technological innovation and tightening border and maritime security information-gathering exercise.

Cooperation and coordination in aggrandisement towards communication capability and management of security arrangements to deal with any kind of threat is the main credo of relevance. With the changing times the parameter of national interest is also becoming more dynamic. Another important area which requires immediate attention on the part of cooperation to develop a mechanism to deal with the chemical weapons in the possession of the new breed of terrorists. Actually chemical weapons are normally not easily detectable and are easily transportable compared with conventional weapons. The revolution in communication network and growth of international narcotic trade spread through the  Golden Triangle on the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand and the Golden Crescent through the network of Afghanistan and Pakistan have posed new forms of threat.

The nations need to change their strategy, keeping in view the changing dynamics of the world order on account of new threats, some very apparent but a few extremely subtle. A couple of years ago there was the news of 50 refugees found dead near eastern Austria along Slovakia and Hungarian border which brought forward a debate on the tedious issue of illegal migration and related crime.

In the search for survival in the competitive world order, many people from underdeveloped societies have moved to European countries for greeney pastures, sometimes through illegal transit. In another such incident a few years ago, a boat carrying more than 80 illegal migrants drowned in Libya. It is high time that European countries developed sophisticated mechanism to handle the problem head on as it has already caused severe tension between various countries. The issue of migration at times creates the problems of human trafficking and refugees across the globe. In certain pockets, the problems of migration and refugees have created quagmire and terrorism. The problem of refugees who have fled due to disturbances in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan has added a new dimension to the existing problem of violence and crime in Central Asian Republics.

Afghanistan is a clear example of such a situation wherein refugees were misled and organised into a deadly force. Despite various steps taken by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there has not been any significant improvement in their conditions. Contrary to the claims made by nations about the distribution of resources for refugee welfare, extreme economic vulnerability has worsened their lot. According to a survey, over 70 per cent of the 26 million refugees in the world are women and children. Although most countries have faced the problem, it has assumed alarming proportions in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Vietnam, Bosnia, Cambodia, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Zaire, Bangladesh and South and Central America.

 Most refugees have taken shelter in nearby countries . The serious problems in Kampuchea, Vietnam and Laos compelled people to seek refuge in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The victims in African countries have taken refuge in Somalia, Kenya and Zambia. The issue of refugees at times becomes crucial due to  their exploitation by many illegal and antisocial elements.  The following measures can be suggested for addressing the problems of refugees: Development of local infrastructure to create self-sufficiency,  increasing the role of Non-Governmental Organisations, extensive training to the staff involved in rescue operations, coordination between the local units and the UNHCR, financial support for implementation of new programmes and so on.

There have been instances where refugee camps were attacked by the armed forces of countries across the border. Many Governments have formulated policies to deal with this alarming situation. But many nefarious actors interpret these steps as surrender to international criticism. In such a situation, the role of security forces becomes very crucial.  The strength of success in handling the problem of refugees lies in creating internal dynamism by ensuring inclusive growth and addressing the plight head on and taking care of the security concern and law and order threats, if any, collectively.

The recent international changes might have brought some hopes of reform and change in the international arena but there are mounting tensions across the globe due to the rise in religious-based terror. No country can afford to compromise on its security despite having deep feelings and tremendous magnanimous outlook towards the problem of refugees.

The writer is a professor and expert on strategic affairs. The views expressed are personal.