Millions of people around the world are displaced from their homes. They seek shelter due to conflict, poverty, environmental disasters or a combination of these factors. Many have been targeted because of their ethnicity, religion, gender identity or political opinions. Forced displacement is a human rights violation.
Regardless of their legal status, all refugees deserve to rebuild their lives in dignity and safety. Unfortunately, they are often treated as commodities in the global politics of asylum. The international community must work together to protect and welcome refugee families.
Refugee crises are deeply entwined with the wider conflict, whether in their country of origin or their host state. Manipulating refugee populations for strategic reasons – to fit them into a relationship with the conflict-sending or -hosting states, or to placate donor fears of mass immigration – usually reduces their security and increases their desperation.
Displaced people are at risk of disease, malnutrition, and acute physical and psychological trauma. Camps are overcrowded, and lack basic services such as clean water and medical care. These conditions create fertile ground for the spread of diseases like cholera, measles and tuberculosis. MSF teams work in camps to provide the care displaced people need to survive and recover from the devastating impacts of war, violence and neglect.
You can help by supporting refugee community sponsorship in your local area. Find out if your government has such a programme and contact the organisers. You can also raise awareness of the issues by talking to your local media and public representatives.