Migrants, Refugees, and the Politics of Belonging

Feel free to listen to the audio of the article. You can adjust the playback speed by pressing the button on the right.

The issue of migrants and refugees, and the politics of belonging, have been a topic of heated debate for many years. While the international community has made strides in providing immediate assistance to refugees, it remains a challenge to develop long-term solutions and support for displaced individuals and their host communities. The three durable solutions, repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, come with their own advantages and challenges, but they remain overshadowed by the rise of populism and anti-immigrant sentiments in affluent countries.

As politicians continue to conflate refugees with other types of migrants, restrictive policies have made life difficult for refugees, while signaling to lower-income countries that they are largely on their own in providing safe havens. Efforts to prevent persecution, political violence, and facilitate peaceful conflict resolution could help reduce the refugee population. However, the issue of internally displaced persons remains inseparable from that of refugees, and international law in this area is less developed.

The situation in the EU is particularly bleak, with conservative leaders in Italy, Austria, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Denmark taking measures to reduce migration. The number of asylum applications in the EU is steadily increasing, and Frontex, the bloc’s border control agency, detected 330,000 illegal crossings last year, up 64% from the previous year.

As the World Development Report 2023 on Migrants, Refugees, and Societies emphasizes, cross-border mobility has the potential to be a powerful force for development if policies are put in place to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration. The report discusses the interaction between migrants and their societies, and how it can translate into development opportunities for countries of origin while presenting a policy trilemma for destination countries.

The issue of migrants and refugees is complex and requires the concerted effort of the international community to provide long-term solutions and support for displaced individuals and their host communities. While policy changes are necessary, it is also important for individuals to recognize the humanity of those who are forced to flee their homes and seek safe havens elsewhere. Only by working towards creating a world where everyone has a place to call home can we address the politics of belonging and create societies that are more inclusive and diverse.

• Refugees
  • A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster
  • “The number of refugees fleeing war-torn countries has increased dramatically in recent years.”
• Displaced individuals
  • People who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict, natural disasters, or other crises
  • “Displaced individuals often face challenges when trying to find a new place to live.”
• Durable solutions
  • Long-term solutions for refugees, which include repatriation, local integration, and resettlement
  • “Finding durable solutions for refugees can be a difficult task, but it is essential for providing them with stability.”
• Repatriation
  • The return of refugees to their country of origin
  • “Some refugees may choose repatriation as a durable solution if they feel it is safe to return to their country.”
• Local integration
  • The process of refugees becoming permanent members of their host communities
  • “Local integration can help refugees feel like they belong and have a sense of security in their new community.”
• Resettlement
  • The process of moving refugees to a third country where they can permanently settle
  • “Resettlement can offer a fresh start for refugees who are unable to return home.”
• Populism
  • A political approach that appeals to the interests and emotions of ordinary people, often by demonizing elites and other minority groups
  • “The rise of populism has made it more difficult for refugees to find safe havens in affluent countries.”
• Anti-immigrant sentiments
  • Negative attitudes towards immigrants, often driven by fear, prejudice, or misinformation
  • “Anti-immigrant sentiments can lead to harmful policies and discrimination against refugees and other migrants.”
• Frontex
  • The European Border and Coast Guard Agency
  • “Frontex detected over 300,000 illegal border crossings in the EU last year.”
• Trilemma
  • A situation in which three possible options might each have negative consequences, forcing a difficult decision
  • “The policy trilemma faced by destination countries requires careful consideration of the potential impacts on society, the economy, and political stability.”

1. In light of the rise of populism and anti-immigrant sentiments in affluent countries, what are some effective strategies for policymakers and advocates to change public perceptions regarding refugees and other types of migrants?

2. All three durable solutions for displaced individuals come with their own challenges and limitations. What criteria should leaders consider when deciding which solution to implement, and how can they balance the needs of refugees with those of their host communities?

3. How can the international community best address the issue of internally displaced persons and refugees, given that existing legal frameworks often fail to distinguish between the two groups? How might current policies contribute to the displacement of individuals, and what steps can be taken to prevent displacement in the first place?