Source: The Hindu

Refugees as assets to their new countries.

For Prelims: World Refugee Day (June 20), Sustainable Development Goals, The Global Compact on Refugees, and  ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat’

For Mains: Refugees and their impact on host countries.

Highlights of the Article:

• Recognizing the skills, talents, and resilience of refugees.
• Empowering refugee youth to be self-reliant and pursue their aspirations.
• Addressing barriers such as legal recognition issues and access to essential services.
• Emphasizing collective responsibility in supporting refugees.
• Advocating for long-term solutions and equitable burden-sharing.

UPSC EXAM NOTES EDITORIAL ANALYSIS:

1.Context:

The article is written in the context of World Refugee Day, which is celebrated on June 20th each year. World Refugee Day is a day to honor the courage and resilience of refugees and to raise awareness of the plight of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.

2.Recognition of Refugee Contributions:

• The article highlights the skills, talents, and resilience possessed by refugees.
• Individual success stories, such as Ahmed's journey from being a refugee to becoming a teacher, challenge the perception that refugees are solely dependent on handouts.
• The article emphasizes the importance of valuing and recognizing the contributions refugees can make to their host societies when provided with opportunities and support.

3.Empowering Refugee Youth:

• The article focuses on the potential of refugee youth and their aspirations for self-reliance.
• Refugee youth desire opportunities to use their talents and passions to benefit the communities hosting them.
• Examples of refugee youth like Taslima and Ayesha, who have pursued their dreams and become role models, highlight the transformative impact of providing support and guidance to refugee youth.

4.Dismantling Barriers:

• The article points out the barriers faced by refugees, including legal recognition issues and challenges in obtaining government-issued documents.
• These barriers hinder refugees' access to essential services such as financial support and healthcare.
• The article calls for dismantling these barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for refugees in employment, education, housing, and healthcare.

5. Collective Responsibility and Global Compact on Refugees:

• The article emphasizes the collective responsibility shared by various stakeholders, including individuals, governments, private sectors, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations, in supporting refugees.
• It references the Global Compact on Refugees, which calls for solidarity and a whole-of-society approach.
• The Global Compact recognizes that responsibility towards refugees extends beyond governments and includes all stakeholders, emphasizing the need for collaboration and cooperation.

6.Long-Term Solutions and Equitable Burden-Sharing:

• The article acknowledges the urgency of addressing the displacement crisis and emphasizes the exploration of long-term solutions such as resettlement and safe returns.
• It calls for equitable burden-sharing, recognizing that the responsibility of assisting refugees should be shared globally.
• The article highlights the need to support host countries and assist in addressing the disproportionate impact of displacement on the Global South.

7. Conclusion:

 The article underscores the significance of recognizing refugees as valuable assets to their new countries and communities. It emphasizes the need to provide opportunities, dismantle barriers, and embrace a collective responsibility to support refugees. By doing so, societies can tap into the potential, resilience, and talents of refugees, contributing to their individual well-being and the overall development of host communities.