SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND HUMANITARIAN COMMITTEE (SOCHUM)

SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND HUMANITARIAN
COMMITTEE
(SOCHUM)
Topic C: Refugees and the Global Community
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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, 2015.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/refugee-and-migrant-rights/refugees-and-asylum.
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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, 2014. Accessed February 16,
2015. http://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/gaza-strip.
3
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/.
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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 1921.5 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, 2013.
Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2013/jul/25/whathappened-history-refugees
5
Hassell, James E. Russian Refugees in France and the United States between the World Wars.
Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, 1991.
6
Haberman, Frederick W. Nobel Lectures: Peace, 1926-1950. Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ., 1972.
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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, 1926-1950.
“United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration.” United States Holocaust Memorial
Museum. June 20, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.
9
“International Refugee Organization.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. New York:
Columbia University Press, 2012.
10
“History of UNHCR.” UNHCR News. http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cbc.html
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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 2014. Accessed
February 16, 2015. http://www.unhcr.org/539809daa.html.
12
“Mexico’s Landmark Law Protects Refugees and Asylum Seekers.” U.S. Committee for
Refugees and Immigrants. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.refugees.org/about-us/in-thenews/press-releases/mexicos-new-law-protects.html.
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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.
“Refugees and Migrants,” Amnesty International USA.
15
Leginsu, Ceylan. “Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers.” New York Times,
February 5, 2015. http://nyti.ms/16SrTCm.
16
“Hosting the World’s Refugees.” UNHCR Global Report 2013.
17
Welsh, Teresa. “Syrian Refugees Move Back to Camps in Jordan.” U.S. News and World
Report.” January 28, 2015. http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/28/syrian-refugees-move-backto-camps-in-jordan.
14
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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.”
Jones, Sam. “WFP revives food vouchers for Syrian refugees.” December 10, 2014. Accessed
February 16, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/10/world-food-programmevouchers-syrian-refugees.
20
Jones, Sam. “Iraq and Syria crises force UN to appeal for record funds.” The Guardian.
December 8, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2014. http://www.theguardian.com/globaldevelopment/2014/dec/08/iraq-syria-crisis-united-nations-record-appeal.
19
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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,
2015. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/worldreport/2015/01/16/lebanon-jordan-and-turkey-need-aid-to-deal-with-syrian-refugee-crisis.
22
Jones, Sam. “UK pledges 100 million extra for Syrian refugees.”The Guardian. February 8,
2015. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/uk-pledges-100mpounds-syrian-refugees.
23
Goldberg, Michelle. “Yes, Mr. President, Border Kids are Refugees.” The Nation, July 16, 2014.
Accessed February 16, 2015, http://www.thenation.com/article/180682/our-refugee-crisis#.
24
Leginsu, “Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers.”
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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, 2015. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.thenation.com/article/197833/why-syrian-refugeesrisk-journey-death-europe#.
26
Motaparthy, “Why Syrian Refugees Risk the ‘Journey of Death’ To Europe.”
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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. While this paper has focused on Syria, more than 25 percent of the world’s refugee
Africa
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.29
27
“Africa.” UNHCR Global Report 2013. January 2014. http://www.unhcr.org/539809de0.html.
“2015 UNHCR Regional Operations Profile: Africa.” United Nations High Commissioner on
Refugees. http://www.unhcr.org/pages/4a02d7fd6.html.
29
“Asia and the Pacific.” UNHCR Global Report 2013. January 2014..
http://www.unhcr.org/539809e00.html.
28
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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.”
“Refugees and Migrants,” Amnesty International USA.
32
Ceylan. “Promise of Europe Lures Syrians and Smugglers.”
31
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The Americas
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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.”
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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?
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Recommended Sources
Here is a list of sources to further your research.
Amnesty International, www.amnesty.org/en United Nations Relief and Works Agency, http://www.unrwa.org/ United Nations High Commission for Refugees, http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/ Refugees International, https://www.refintl.org/ The Guardian, http://www.theguardian.com/world/refugees Human Rights Watch, http://www.hrw.org/topic/refugees The Refugee Project, http://www.therefugeeproject.org/ The UNHCR Global Report: http://www.unhcr.org/gr13/index.xml Rennich
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Bibliography
“Refugees and Asylum.” Amnesty International USA. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/refugee-and-migrant-rights/refugees-andasylum.
“Gaza Strip.” United Nations Relief and Works Agency. July 1, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.unrwa.org/where-we-work/gaza-strip.
“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/.
Chalabi, Mona. “What Happened to History’s Refugees?” The Guardian. July 25, 2013. Accessed
February 16, 2015. http://bit.ly/1Bw6ZFS.
Hassell, James E. Russian Refugees in France and the United States between the World Wars. Philadelphia:
American Philosophical Society, 1991.
Haberman, Frederick W. Nobel Lectures: Peace, 1926-1950. Amsterdam: Elsevier Publ., 1972.
Goldberg, Michelle. “Yes, Mr. President, Border Kids are Refugees.” The Nation, July 16, 2014.
http://www.thenation.com/article/180682/our-refugee-crisis#.
Mutter, Paul. “A Middle Eastern Marshall Plan.” U.S. News and World Report. January 16, 2015.
http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/world-report/2015/01/16/lebanon-jordan-andturkey-need-aid-to-deal-with-syrian-refugee-crisis.
“Asia and the Pacific.” UNHCR Global Report 2013. January 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.unhcr.org/539809e00.html.
“2015 UNHCR Regional Operations Profile: Africa.” United Nations High Commissioner on
Refugees. Accessed 15 February 2015. http://www.unhcr.org/pages/4a02d7fd6.html.
“Africa.” UNHCR Global Report 2013. January 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.
http://www.unhcr.org/539809de0.html
Motaparthy, Priyanka. “Why Syrian Refugees Risk the ‘Journey of Death’ To Europe.” February 11,
2015. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.thenation.com/article/197833/why-syrianrefugees-risk-journey-death-europe#.
.Jones, Sam. “UK pledges 100 million extra for Syrian refugees.” February 8, 2015. Accessed
February 16, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/08/uk-pledges-100mpounds-syrian-refugees.
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“United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration.” United States Holocaust Memorial
Museum. June 20, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.
“International Refugee Organization.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. New York: Columbia
University Press, 2012.
“History of UNHCR.” UNHCR News. http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cbc.html
Jones, Sam. “Iraq and Syria crises force UN to appeal for record funds.” The Guardian. December 8,
2014.
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/08/iraq-syria-crisisunited-nations-record-appeal.
Welsh, Teresa. “Syrian Refugees Move Back to Camps in Jordan.” U.S. News and World Report.”
January 28, 2015. http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/01/28/syrian-refugeesmove-back-to-camps-in-jordan.
Jones, Sam. “WFP revives food vouchers for Syrian refugees.” December 10, 2014. Accessible from
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/dec/10/world-food-programmevouchers-syrian-refugees.
“Hosting the World’s Refugees.” UNHCR Global Report 2013, January 2014. Accessed February 16,
2015. http://www.unhcr.org/539809daa.html.
“Mexico’s Landmark Law Protects Refugees and Asylum Seekers.” U.S. Committee for Refugees and
Immigrants. Accessed February 16, 2015. http://www.refugees.org/about-us/in-thenews/press-releases/mexicos-new-law-protects.html.
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