SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND HUMANITARIAN COMMITTEE (SOCHUM) Topic C: Refugees and the Global Community

Transcription

1 SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND HUMANITARIAN COMMITTEE (SOCHUM) Topic C: Refugees and the Global Community

2 NUMUN XII 2 Introduction Refugees are citizens who have either chosen or have been forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or a natural disaster. This travel not only carries with it a burden for the individual leaving their country, but also for the nation they arrive in as they are often without any sort of financial means and depend upon the generosity of the host state to take care of them until they can either assimilate into the new society, or go back to their home. This issue however, is not just present in developing nations. Amnesty International reports that only 40% of refugees make their new home in developing nations. 1 This means that the problem of sustaining an influx of refugees falls largely on developed nations. Along with the responsibility of supporting displaced persons, developed nations are themselves responsible for creating their own refugees. In Eastern Europe the Ukrainian crisis rages on as Russia tries to assert not only its claim on its diaspora, but also its dominance against what it sees as Western Aggression. For the millions of Ukrainian refugees, however, this only means instability and a lack of education, health care, and, for some, their basic human rights. In addition to the struggles faced by refugees themselves, the nations hosting them must determine how to support the refugees without damaging their own social, political, and economic stability. For the developing nations supporting refugee populations, like Cameroon helping Nigerians and Ethiopia assisting South Sudanese, the state budget simply cannot sustain proper aid. However, developed nations can choose to play a greater role in helping these developing host states 1 Refugees and Asylum. Amnesty International USA. Accessed February 16,

3 NUMUN XII 3 or volunteering to take in refugees. This responsibility clearly affects all parts of the global community and will need the action of all states to find a solution. The issue of where exactly the international community as a whole stands in regards to responsibility for any global refugee crisis needs to be addressed. The problem of refugees is not one simply contained to one region of the world. In an increasingly globalized world, the impact of displaced persons can have astronomical effects on the stability of the rest of the world. For this reason, the power of the entire global community is necessary to conquer crises such as the million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the persecuted Roma in France, the Uyghurs in western China, and the millions of others who are without their homes. 2 The preamble of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights establishes the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. From this it becomes clear that the issue of refugees is of global concern and should be at the forefront of discourse amongst all members. For, as the Preamble also states, disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind. 3 In the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, we are committed to respecting the fundamental human rights of all people. As individuals who often flee gross violations of human rights, refugees particularly need our protection. We must find a solution that protects these at-risk individuals while preserving the stability of the regions to which they flee. 2 Gaza Strip. United Nations Relief and Works Agency. July 1, Accessed February 16, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations. Accessed February 16,

4 NUMUN XII 4 Background For as long as there has been war, persecution, and upheaval, there have been refugees. From the Israelites expelled by conquering Assyrian forces in 740 B.C.E. to the millions of people displaced by World War II and the upheavals that followed as new nations were born in the wake of decolonization to those fleeing the Syrian conflict today, providing sanctuary for refugees has been a persistent problem. 4 In 1921, the League of Nations created the High Commissioner for Refugees, the first international coordination of refugee affairs. Its mission was to assist the roughly 1,500,000 refugees of the 1917 Russian Revolution and its subsequent civil war, most of whom were aristocrats escaping the Communist government. An estimated 800,000 Russian refugees became stateless when Lenin revoked citizenship for all Russian expatriates in Two years later, the League of Nations expanded the mandate of the Commission to include the more than one million Armenians who left Turkish Asia Minor in 1915 and 1923 due to the Armenian genocide, and then over the next several years to cover Assyrian and Turkish refugees. 6 The importance of international care for refugees grew during the financial and political turmoil of the 1930s. At the start of the decade, the Commission was succeeded by the Nansen International Office for Refugees. Under it, the Nansen certificate, a refugee travel document, was established, winning the office the 1938 Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Nansen office was plagued by financial woes, increasing numbers of refugees, and a lack of cooperation from some member states. It did, however, lead fourteen nations to ratify the 1933 Refugee Convention, an 4 Chalabi, Mona. What Happened to History s Refugees? The Guardian. July 25, Accessed February 16, Hassell, James E. Russian Refugees in France and the United States between the World Wars. Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, Haberman, Frederick W. Nobel Lectures: Peace, Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ., 1972.

5 NUMUN XII 5 early, if modest, attempt at a human rights charter, and assisted approximately one million refugees worldwide. 7 In 1943, the Allies created the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) to provide aid to the massive number of refugees in areas liberated from Axis powers. By the end of the War, Europe had more than 40 million refugees. UNRRA helped return more than seven million refugees to their country of origin and set up displaced persons camps for one million refugees who refused to be repatriated. 8 The end of World War II further shaped the direction of global support for refugees. The International Refugee Organization (IRO), founded April 20, 1946, took over the functions of the UNRRA. The IRO had a temporary UN mandate to finish the UNRRA s work of repatriating or resettling European refugees, and was dissolved in after resettling about one million refugees. 9 Today, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), established December 14, 1950, protects and supports refugees at the request of a government or the United Nations. 10 UNHCR provides protection and assistance to refugees, and other categories of displaced or needy people such as asylum seekers, refugees who have returned home, local civilian communities directly affected by the movements of refugees, stateless people, and internally displaced people (IDPs). The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. 7 Haberman, Nobel Lectures: Peace, United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. June 20, Accessed February 16, International Refugee Organization. Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, History of UNHCR. UNHCR News.

6 NUMUN XII 6 Current Situation Crises that create refugee movements change, but the role of host countries remains the same. International law asks states to provide protection to all people escaping persecution or violent conflict. This includes ensuring refugees are legally recognized and given access to a justice system. Host countries are also expected to provide health care, education, and other essential services to refugees. This frequently necessitates the creation of refugee camps or settlements. Most importantly, countries with refugees are asked to provide a welcoming environment for the newcomers, particularly if they will be living in the countries for extended periods of time. 11 Some countries have embraced these obligations. Mexico recently passed legislation with support from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that has been lauded by the international community for accomplishing these goals. According to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, it has features that warrant international modeling. The landmark legislation fosters local integration of refugees in Mexico, granting access to health services, health insurance, education, recognition of academic credentials, and permission to work. It conforms to international protection practices; adheres to the definition of the term refugee according to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol; includes principles of family unity, the best interests of the child, no forced returns, non-discrimination, and no penalty for irregular entry; and recognizes gender-based persecution as grounds for asylum. 12 The fact that this law was passed so recently as well as its landmark status indicates that much of the international community lags behind Mexico. Amnesty International s current campaign for refugees seeks to rectify this situation. The organization says countries must ensure that people are 11 Hosting the World s Refugees. UNHCR Global Report 2013, January Accessed February 16, Mexico s Landmark Law Protects Refugees and Asylum Seekers. U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Accessed February 16,

7 NUMUN XII 7 treated with dignity at the borders, the right to liberty of migrants and asylum seekers is respected; and people on the move no longer suffer abuse because of their migration status. 13 Their suggested measures are proper border control procedures, the use of immigration detention as a measure of last resort, and court systems that allow refugees to seek justice if they are abused. 14 These ongoing refugee issues have been escalated as the Syrian Civil War has precipitated the world s largest mass migration since World War II. The exodus of three million Syrians from their home country reveals three specific issues the global community must confront. 15 Weak Host States In 2013, 8 of the 10 countries with the largest refugee populations were located in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and many of them lack the resources or stability to adequately host the hundreds of thousands who have sought asylum in their borders. 16 These countries are also susceptible to the same violence that caused refugees to flee from neighboring states, particularly when that violence is caused by a non-state actor. Over 1 million Syrians have found refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt, putting an enormous strain on these less than stable states. Jordan, the most welcoming of these countries, has become home to an estimated 1.3 million Syrian refugees. 17 Jordan, like many other states in the region, does not have the infrastructure to support such an influx. Refugees who choose not to live in camps frequently cannot find jobs or adequate housing. Meanwhile, refugee camps are 13 Refugees and Migrants, Amnesty International USA. 14 Refugees and Migrants, Amnesty International USA. 15 Leginsu, Ceylan. Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers. New York Times, February 5, Hosting the World s Refugees. UNHCR Global Report Welsh, Teresa. Syrian Refugees Move Back to Camps in Jordan. U.S. News and World Report. January 28,

8 NUMUN XII 8 frequently overcrowded and unable to provide services to all residents. More than infrastructure concerns, many of these nations also lack funds. Last year, Jordan had to end its health care for refugees because it could no longer afford the $19 million required. 18 Many of these states are also threatened by ISIS, and are unable to guarantee safety for their own citizens, much less refugees. The United Nations helps many of these nations care for the refugees through its World Food Program, but this aid is dependent on international donations. In December 2014, the program was short $64 million and had to be temporarily suspended. UNICEF faced similar problems last year in its efforts to provide clothes, food, and healthcare to millions of Syrian child refugees. 19 Inconsistent Support from Developed Nations The UN s inability to sustain funding for its Syrian refugee aid programs reflects larger problems with developed nations and refugees. More money is needed to support refugees in Africa and the Middle East. According to Antonio Guterres, the UN high commissioner for refugees, This is not business as usual in the humanitarian world. Today s needs are at unprecedented levels, and without more support there simply is no way to respond to the humanitarian situations we re seeing in region after region and in conflict after conflict. 20 Developed nations, the source of this much needed aid, are not always willing to donate. In addition to donating more, international aid groups say the funds should go toward integration 18 Welsh, Syrian Refugees Move Back to Camps in Jordan. 19 Jones, Sam. WFP revives food vouchers for Syrian refugees. December 10, Accessed February 16, Jones, Sam. Iraq and Syria crises force UN to appeal for record funds. The Guardian. December 8, Accessed February 16,

9 NUMUN XII 9 into host countries instead of just emergency support. While expensive, housing subsidies, business loans, and more schools would restructure local host economies to better support refugees. 21 More significantly, developed nations are unwilling to take large numbers of refugees. For example, the United Kingdom donated 100 million to support Syrian refugees in countries like Jordan and Lebanon, but has only allowed 90 Syrian refugees to enter the country legally. 22 Humanitarians suggest European countries and the United States should accept more refugees by working with the UN to create centers in conflict zones for those whose lives are in danger to apply for asylum. 23 Illegal Trafficking Human smuggling industries frequently form in response to refugee crises, capitalizing on a population s desperation. For Syrians, Turkey has become home to traffickers who promise refugees transportation to Europe. The New York Times reported in February of this year that smugglers have begun loading migrants into steel-hulled cargo ships from locations that can be reached relatively easily from Turkey s eastern Mediterranean coastline. The smugglers then set them on a course for Europe and abandon them, confident that European coast guards will feel morally and legally bound to rescue the huge ships. 24 This dangerous practice made international news in January when 2 boats almost crashed into the Italian coastline, threatening the lives of the boats approximately 1,000 passengers. In addition to being dangerous, the practice is exploitative. 21 Mutter, Paul. A Middle Eastern Marshall Plan. U.S. News and World Report. January 16, Accessed February 16, Jones, Sam. UK pledges 100 million extra for Syrian refugees. The Guardian. February 8, Accessed February 16, Goldberg, Michelle. Yes, Mr. President, Border Kids are Refugees. The Nation, July 16, Accessed February 16, 2015, 24 Leginsu, Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers.

10 NUMUN XII 10 Smugglers make thousands of dollars per refugee and often fail to fulfill their promises of safe travel. 25 This practice generated a number of possible solutions. The European Union believes that Turkey is responsible for preventing smugglers from sending Syrian refugees to Europe. This suggests greater support should be given to governments who need to crack down on illegal industries. On the other hand, humanitarian groups have begun campaigns calling on Europe to rescue the refugees being smuggled across the Mediterranean. They argue that refugees will continue to make the dangerous journey, and that Europe s unwillingness to help these refugees is cruelly sentencing them death. 26 Hopefully this year s SOCHUM will be able to address these modern concerns not only for Syrian refugees but for displaced people globally. 25 Motaparthy, Priyanka. Why Syrian Refugees Risk the Journey of Death To Europe. February 11, Accessed February 16, Motaparthy, Why Syrian Refugees Risk the Journey of Death To Europe.

11 NUMUN XII 11 Bloc Positions These position summaries should help you begin your research; however, they should not be the sole source of your country s position during conference debate. Africa While this paper has focused on Syria, more than 25 percent of the world s refugee populations live in sub-saharan Africa. According to the United Nations, The most critical displacement situations, triggered by extreme violence and rampant human rights abuses, were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan. 27 The displacement caused by conflicts in these countries is especially troubling because refugees often seek shelter in unstable and ill prepared neighboring nations. Of particular issue for refugees within Africa are sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and meeting the basic needs of refugees in light of regional shortages in food. 28 Countries in this region would be most interested in ensuring international aid is consistent, but would have questionable support for mandates on their own behavior towards refugees. Asia and the Pacific The UNHCR has helped countries of this region make significant progress in their ability to resettle refugees. Particularly successful programs took place in Malaysia, Nepal, and Thailand- indicating that several states in the region are open to UN guidance on the issue of refugees Africa. UNHCR Global Report January UNHCR Regional Operations Profile: Africa. United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees Asia and the Pacific. UNHCR Global Report January

12 NUMUN XII 12 Middle East Countries in the Middle East are central to the modern refugee crisis. Conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Eritrea have led to a dramatic increase in the number of refugees worldwide. This has prompted humanitarian crises in neighboring nations like Jordan that are ill equipped to deal with the influx of refugees into their nations. As a result, countries in this region are primarily concerned with increasing international aid as well as seeing more Western nations take in refugees. 30 Some countries might support better standards for refugee treatment, but only with guarantees of continued financial support. Europe Amnesty International has directed much of its refugee activism at Europe. In many European countries, there has been a criminalization of migrants and refugees. For example, many refugees are detained for long periods of time for arbitrary or disproportionate reasons, a violation of international law. Some European countries, like Italy, are also notorious for keeping refugees from entering their countries. According to Amnesty International, 1,500 people died while crossing the Mediterranean in 2011 when European countries refused to rescue them. 31 In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris, many Western governments are particularly concerned about terrorists being amongst the refugees smuggled into their countries. 32 Because of this fear, they would be cautious to support international calls for open borders for refugees, but could support changes within other host countries, particularly in the Middle East. 30 Mutter, A Middle Eastern Marshall Plan. 31 Refugees and Migrants, Amnesty International USA. 32 Ceylan. Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers.

13 NUMUN XII 13 The Americas The United States has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts to help refugees abroad, but is less likely to grant asylum. For example, while the U.S. has been slow to welcome Syrian refugees for anti-terrorism reasons, it has been the largest donor to the humanitarian response. It is perhaps most infamous for its response to refugees from Central and South America, emphasizing border enforcement over granting asylum. 33 As a result the U.S. would be unlikely to support efforts to mandate state behavior towards refugees, but could look favorably upon more aid and reform within developing host countries. 33 Goldberg, Yes, Mr. President, Border Kids are Refugees.

14 NUMUN XII 14 Questions to Consider To understand how your country might respond to this SOCHUM topic, please consider these questions. Of course, these are designed to inspire your research, and you should not limit your preparation to these ideas. 1. How is your country affected by refugees? Are you experiencing instability that is causing individuals to be displaced either within or outside of your country? Are you receiving refugees from other nations? 2. What domestic laws does your country currently have in place concerning refugees? Immigration and sanctuary laws are a good place to start. 3. What organizations or programs, both governmental and non-governmental, does your country have in place for refugees? 4. What issues surrounding refugees are paramount in your country s opinion? Is your primary concern the economic, political, or social effects of refugees, or some combination of the three? How would you address one or all of those aspects? 5. Think about short- and long-term solutions to refugee crises. What should be done now to fix the immediate problem of the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons globally, and what should be done to preempt or counteract future problems?

15 NUMUN XII 15 Recommended Sources Here is a list of sources to further your research. Amnesty International, United Nations Relief and Works Agency, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Refugees International, The Guardian, Human Rights Watch, The Refugee Project, The UNHCR Global Report:

16 NUMUN XII 16 Bibliography Refugees and Asylum. Amnesty International USA. Accessed February 16, Gaza Strip. United Nations Relief and Works Agency. July 1, Accessed February 16, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations. Accessed February 16, Chalabi, Mona. What Happened to History s Refugees? The Guardian. July 25, Accessed February 16, Hassell, James E. Russian Refugees in France and the United States between the World Wars. Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, Haberman, Frederick W. Nobel Lectures: Peace, Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ., Goldberg, Michelle. Yes, Mr. President, Border Kids are Refugees. The Nation, July 16, Mutter, Paul. A Middle Eastern Marshall Plan. U.S. News and World Report. January 16, Asia and the Pacific. UNHCR Global Report January Accessed February 16, UNHCR Regional Operations Profile: Africa. United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees. Accessed 15 February Africa. UNHCR Global Report January Accessed February 16, Motaparthy, Priyanka. Why Syrian Refugees Risk the Journey of Death To Europe. February 11, Accessed February 16, Sam. UK pledges 100 million extra for Syrian refugees. February 8, Accessed February 16,

17 NUMUN XII 17 United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. June 20, Accessed February 16, International Refugee Organization. Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, History of UNHCR. UNHCR News. Jones, Sam. Iraq and Syria crises force UN to appeal for record funds. The Guardian. December 8, Welsh, Teresa. Syrian Refugees Move Back to Camps in Jordan. U.S. News and World Report. January 28, Jones, Sam. WFP revives food vouchers for Syrian refugees. December 10, Accessible from Hosting the World s Refugees. UNHCR Global Report 2013, January Accessed February 16, Mexico s Landmark Law Protects Refugees and Asylum Seekers. U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Accessed February 16,