Friday, March 8, 2013

"We are alive but not living"

A recent Economist article identifies several trends among the world's refugee populations:

  • Refugee populations are more mobile
  • Needs are less food and shelter, more psychological care (e.g. trauma) and education
  • Less likely to be in camps - registered refugees intermingle in urban centers
  • If in camps, the stay is longer
  • Stingier admissions among rich countries


The article mentions that handling refugees has become less humanitarian and more a development issue. The line between persecution and economic refugees is more and more blurry. One government manager suggests naturalizing refugees who are in country to allow them to find work, develop community, etc. In exchange, rich countries should foot the bill and provide expertise.

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