Defining Refugees and Forced Migrants

The UN 1951 Convention defines a refugee as someone with a "well-founded fear of persecution" based on various factors such as race, religion, nationality, or political beliefs. Refugees have a right to seek asylum, which is fundamentally a safe haven. This concept of asylum has historical roots dating back to religious conflicts when churches served as sanctuaries amid turmoil.

In contrast, forced migrants encompass a broader group who leave their homeland due to dire political, environmental, or economic circumstances that threaten their survival. Those who challenge corrupt governments often face severe consequences, including imprisonment or even death, even in regions deemed "safe" by international standards.

Some argue that these issues don't concern us because we didn't create the problems. They suggest that imposing our moral values on other cultures is inappropriate. While there is some truth to the complexities of intervention, the inconsistent application of military power by so-called "Western democracies" raises significant ethical questions.

A crucial point to consider is that we in the Global North cannot maintain a facade of indifference. Our interventions and the extraction of resources from other nations come with responsibilities that we must acknowledge.

Moreover, we must scrutinize the adequacy of the 1951 Convention in addressing today's forced migration crisis. This framework was established to address specific situations, such as the persecution faced by Jews and other groups during World War II. However, it fails to encompass the myriad conditions that compel individuals to flee their homes today.

The Inequality Factor

At the heart of the forced migration crisis lies a fundamental issue: inequality. Wealth distribution across the globe has become increasingly skewed, with a tiny elite controlling an unprecedented share of resources. This disparity is becoming more pronounced even as access to information grows, as individuals in impoverished areas see glimpses of a better life through mobile devices.

It’s important to recognize that the very technologies that connect us often rely on exploitative practices. The extraction of rare materials for mobile phones frequently involves child labor and horrific working conditions.

While it may seem daunting to confront this deeply entrenched system, there are actions we can take. We must advocate for our governments to recognize the financial ties between the wealth generated by multinational corporations and the conditions driving forced migration.

The example of oil illustrates the stark contrast between what corporations extract from impoverished nations and the minimal benefits returned to those communities. Addressing these inequalities in tax laws and resource distribution within the EU is imperative if we hope to tackle the root causes of forced migration.

International Bodies and Local Solutions

Respecting national sovereignty must not come at the cost of ignoring the need for robust international institutions capable of addressing inequality and corruption. Nations must be empowered to develop their own strategies for resolving the challenges that lead to forced migration.

Internationally, there is a significant responsibility on institutions to create and enforce regulations that mitigate inequality. Locally, we must push for governmental reforms in tax legislation and anti-corruption measures to create safe havens for displaced individuals.

Investment in origin countries is also crucial. Expanding initiatives like the Loss and Damage Fund to include historical reparations could foster sustainable development and reduce the factors driving migration.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Ultimately, fear of migration often stems from a fear of change and the unknown. However, history shows that societies have the resilience to recover from adversity. Addressing inequality is key to preventing social fragmentation, which only serves the interests of the elite.

The EU has the capacity to accommodate refugees, but to truly solve the problem, we must confront the underlying issues fueling forced migration. It’s time to unite against the real adversary: systemic inequality.

In this video, Senator Kaine argues that refugees are not foreign threats, but rather victims of ISIL's violence, advocating for compassionate responses to their plight.

This video discusses how Russian President Putin has coerced African migrants and students into combat roles in Ukraine, highlighting the complex dynamics of forced migration.

Biographical Note

Lucy is a researcher, yoga and meditation instructor, and author with a background in forced migration studies from the University of Oxford. She holds a PhD in Environmental Philosophy and has published three books. Engagement and feedback are welcomed! If you find value in this work, consider showing support. Thank you for reading.