As of mid-2024, the world’s refugee crisis stretched beyond 42.7 million people who have fled their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back. They have left behind their belongings, their livelihoods, and in many cases, their loved ones. They are living in a state of constant uncertainty. They are searching for a safe place to live.
Some have escaped to countries with generous asylum policies, such as Turkey or Lebanon. But these countries still do not take in enough refugees to make a difference. Their refugee population exceeds the country’s national populations, resulting in an overwhelming burden on neighboring states, such as the United States, Jordan and Pakistan.
Many are living in limbo, trapped between the safety of their host countries and the hope that they will eventually be able to return home. Others are struggling to survive in camps where they are deprived of the essentials: clean water, food, and medicine. Some have been robbed of their health and are suffering from mental health disorders.
While the refugee crisis is not the fault of any particular country, the wealthiest nations must play a greater role in protecting displaced people. They must stop treating refugees as “somebody else’s problem,” and increase their resettlement rates. They also must commit to long-term assistance to refugees in their own country – not just money, but skills and training that will allow them to thrive. We need a new approach to the refugee crisis — one that is built on respect and compassion for all people, everywhere.