May 17, 2023
Jennica Larrison shares three anecdotes of forced migration stories, one from Venezuela, another from Afghanistan, and finally one from Myanmar. All these stories end in similar ways, the refugees never fully find safety due to the lack support of forced migrants into other countries. After sharing these accounts, Larrison dives into a terminology overview with vocab such as refugee, asylum, internally displaced persons (IDP’s) and forced migration. Following this, she displays a plethora of data revolving around countries of origin for refugees, population predictions of displaced people, and the percentage of refugees based on different factors. Next, she reverts to her original anecdotes to explain the lack of support by “host countries” of these refugees, including the U.S, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Finally, Larrison proposed a path forward on the local scale in Baltimore by explaining resources people can use to support the global forced migration crisis. In the question-and-answer portion, Larrison discusses topics including possible U.S. responses, population growth, and physical jobs of NGO’s.
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.
