The refugee crisis poses a ‘catch 22' situation for host countries. The latter can neither stop the people from coming to their borders, neither can they afford take everyone in. A global policy on controlling illegal migration is needed
The recent breakthrough in the refugee crisis after long deliberations between Turkey and European Union shows the seriousness of the issue of immigration and human smuggling around the world and particularly in Europe. The United Nations has already expressed concern.
The gravity of the problem can be visualised in the attempts of European powers to hold its next meeting in October to work out a road map for negotiation. Although it is too early to comment on such an agreement, it appears that the refugee crisis can be a bigger challenge for Europe than the two World Wars, if not handled head on. More than one million refugees have moved into Europe during the last one year mainly through sea routes. The civil war in Syria and political unrest in Iraq has worsened the situation.
For the sake of survival in the competitive world order, thousands of people from underdeveloped countries have illegally moved to Europe for greener posture mainly through illegal transit .
In another such incident, 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 as it has already caused tension between countries.
The issue of migration has also caused fuelled human trafficking across the globe. In certain pockets, it has led to 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 the Central Asian Republics.
The number of atrocities against refugees over the year has shown an upward trend. They are not only subjected to economic exploitation but also social discrimination. Refugees are exploited for political and strategic gains by powerful syndicates.
Afghanistan is a clear example wherein refugees were misled and organised into a deadly force. Despite various steps by the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees, there has not been any significant improvement in their conditions.
Contrary to claims made by nations about the distribution of resources for refugee welfare, economic vulnerability has worsened their lot. The rise in atrocities against the refugees, particularly in foreign camps, is mainly due to the delay in investigation and the partisan attitude of the local Government machinery.
Women have increasingly been subjected to injustice and foul play. There are numerous cases of women being abused and raped by people who are supposed to protect them. According to one survey, over 70 per cent of the 26 million refugees in the world are women and children.
The problem of refugees became more pronounced after 1965 due to a rapid increase in persecution, poverty, natural disasters and civil wars. Although most countries have faced the problem, it has assumed alarming proportions in Afghanistan, Rwanda, Vietnam, Bosnia, Cambodia, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, Iraq, Sri lanka, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh and other countries of South and Central America.
The serious problems in Kampuchea, Vietnam and laos compelled people to seek refuge in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Victims in African countries have taken refuge in Somalia, Kenya and Zambia.
India witnessed a tremendous influx of refugees after 1971, when a Bengalis fled then East Pakistan. About 50,000 refugees took shelter in Tripura after clashes between Bangladesh authorities and the Shanti Bahani (a militant tribal movement started in 1973). A number of Chakma refugees took shelter in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. The recent, peaceful repatriation of 6,000 Chakma refugees to their homes in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tract is a welcome sign.
The lack of infrastructure facilities for accommodation in the host countries has created serious problems. In this regard, a burden sharing approach among countries can yield positive results. Often, refugees are detained on the ground of apprehension. For example, many asylum-seekers were charged with illegal immigration in Thailand. There have been instances when refugee camps have been attacked by the armed forces of countries across the border. Adequate protection for such camps is an important issue that should get immediate attention. The UNHCR, non-government organizations and Governments should work together to protect the interest of refugees, particularly women and children.
This is a ‘catch 22’ situation for most countries. Neither total elimination of the problem is possible nor can one afford to take it laying down as it fuels violence and crime. It is high time we frame a policy by which illegal migration can be controlled, and also prevent atrocities on refugees.
(The writer teaches political science at Punjab University, Chandigarh)