No Refuge: Ethics and the Global Refugee Crisis

The Global Refugee Crisis is a crisis of arrival, with millions of people stuck in dehumanizing and hopeless limbo of refugees camps and informal urban spaces. Serena Parekh argues that we need a moral response to these crises that assumes the humanity of refugees and the challenges that states have when they accept refugees. Countries and citizens have a moral obligation to address the structures that unjustly prevent refugees from accessing the minimum conditions of human dignity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Global Refugee Crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that has captured the world's attention. It manifests in various forms, including Syrians crossing the Mediterranean in ramshackle boats, Sudanese refugees fleeing overland into neighboring countries, and children separated from their parents at the US/Mexico border. These images evoke a sense of urgency and desperation as individuals seek to escape the horrors of war, persecution, and poverty in their home countries.

However, the crisis extends beyond the images of people in transit. Upon arrival, refugees face a second crisis, often referred to as the crisis of arrival. In the 21st century, they have limited options: living in urban slums, enduring squalid refugee camps, or embarking on dangerous journeys to seek asylum. Unfortunately, none of these options provide genuine refuge, leaving millions of people trapped in a dehumanizing and hopeless limbo.

According to political philosopher Serena Parekh, this second refugee crisis is the plight of millions of people who have fled their homes but remain stuck in refugee camps and informal urban spaces, primarily in the Global South. Ninety-nine percent of these refugees never resettle in other countries, enduring decades of suffering in conditions that deny them human dignity. The conditions in many refugee camps and urban slums are so bleak that it is considered inhumane to force people to live in them for prolonged periods. It is no wonder that refugees increasingly risk their lives to seek asylum directly in the West, hoping for a better life.

Parekh's book, "No Refuge," highlights the urgency of addressing these crises. Drawing from extensive first-hand accounts of life as a refugee with nowhere to go, she argues that we need a moral response that assumes the humanity of refugees while also recognizing the challenges that states face when accepting refugees. Only by understanding the two dimensions of the global refugee crisis—the asylum seekers themselves and the host countries—can we find a solution that addresses the needs of both groups.

One of the key challenges facing refugees is the lack of legal pathways. Many asylum seekers are denied the right. legal protection they need to survive and thrive. They face discrimination, exploitation, and violence, often at the hands of governments, organizations, and individuals who are unwilling or unable to provide them with the support they require. This lack of legal protection puts refugees at risk of being returned to their countries of origin, where they may face further persecution and violence.

To address this issue, Parekh advocates for the creation of a global refugee legal framework that provides protection and support to asylum seekers. This framework should include the right to asylum, the right to legal representation, the right to work and education, and the right to healthcare. It should also prioritize the integration of refugees into their host communities, promoting social cohesion and economic development.

In addition to legal protection, refugees also need access to basic human rights, such as food, water, shelter, and healthcare. This includes providing emergency relief and long-term support to those who have been displaced by conflict or disaster. It also involves addressing the root
root causes of displacement, such as poverty, conflict, and climate change, which are the primary drivers of forced migration.

Furthermore, Parekh argues that we need to address the systemic issues that contribute to the global refugee crisis. This includes addressing the root causes of displacement, such as poverty, conflict, and climate change, which are the primary drivers of forced migration. It also involves promoting global cooperation and solidarity, as well as addressing the political and economic factors that contribute to refugee crises.

In conclusion, the global refugee crisis is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and moral response. It is essential to recognize the humanity of refugees and the challenges that they face upon arrival. By advocating for legal protection, basic human rights, and the integration of refugees into their host communities, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate world for all.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 149 x 219 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197507995