Refugee crisis refers to the difficulties and dangerous situations that are posed by the reception of large groups of forcibly displaced persons (whether refugees, asylum seekers or other huge groups of migrants). As a result, these people often struggle with discrimination, lack of integration, health problems, economic limitations, sexual violence and even loss of life.

Refuges flee their homes because of violence, conflict or persecution; poverty, hunger and environmental change are also driving forces that push people to leave. But too often, governments do not act in a humane manner and they make matters worse by imposing policies that create additional challenges.

For example, many people try to reach Europe because of public policies that place their lives in danger – the death rate of people crossing the Mediterranean is at a historic high. Instead, governments should focus on the root causes and work to reduce poverty and conflict in countries that have the largest numbers of refugees.

In the long run, a better policy would help reduce flows of people from Syria and other war-torn or troubled areas. It would ensure that asylum procedures are fair and efficient; investigate and prosecute gangs that traffic and exploit refugees; provide safe and decent living conditions in camps or settlements and fight all forms of xenophobia and racial discrimination.

Lastly, local integration and resettlement must be increased. Refugees that are integrated into their host societies are more resilient, less dependent and able to develop their full potential and contribute to society. Local integration can be done through refugee camps becoming permanent settlements; through local integration into towns, villages and cities; and through resettlement in third countries.