Whether they are war-ravaged or simply living in poverty, millions of people have been forced to leave their homes. Some have become refugees while others have moved within their own countries. They may be escaping violence or looking for better work and education, but they all deserve a safe place to live.
The refugee crisis is the result of a combination of factors, but wars in Syria and Sudan have been key tipping points. The continuing conflict in Ukraine and escalating displacement in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar have also pushed the number of refugees up significantly.
The majority of the world’s refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, which can be ill-equipped to help them, especially when the crisis lasts for years or decades. Wealthy countries must step up to share the burden, resettling the most vulnerable refugees and supporting host communities.
Displaced people need access to health care, schools, and jobs. They need help reintegrating into their host communities, and they should have an opportunity to rebuild their homes and lives. Many refugees become citizens of their host country and contribute to the economic and social fabric of society.
We stand with those who have been uprooted by violence and war, helping them to reclaim their dignity and hope for the future. As the world’s largest economies, wealthy nations must abide by the obligations of the 1951 Refugee Convention and increase their support for host countries.