Donald Fetzer is President at Baltimore Aircoil Inc, a global manufacturing leader of customized cooling solutions. Baltimore Aircoil Company is part of Amsted Industries, a diversified manufacturer that is 100% employee owned. Mr. Fetzer joined Baltimore Aircoil in 2011 as Managing Director of Europe, Middle East, and African Regions and was appointed as President in 2014. Before joining Baltimore Aircoil, from 2004 to 2011 Mr. Fetzer was commercial director and financial director for Harley Davidson EMEA region based in England; and from 1984 to 2004 he held leadership positions in Armstrong World Industries including assignments based in England and Hong Kong. Mr. Fetzer is currently a trustee of the Natural Refrigeration Foundation and a board member of the Baltimore Council of Foreign Affairs. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a degree in finance, he also holds certificates in leadership programs at the London Business School and the MIT School of Engineering.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
