A new report from Oxfam suggests that the six richest countries on the planet take less than one in eleven of the world’s refugees. The report shows that the US, Japan, Germany, France, Britain and China whom put together account for over half the global economy accept less than nine per cent of refugees. Whilst it is true that Germany has accepted far more refugees than the other rich countries, there is still a huge gap with poorer countries shouldering most of the responsibility.
Poor countries shouldering most of the responsibility
The study claims that the six richest countries have accommodated 2.1 million asylum seekers and refugees. That is less than 9 per cent of the global total. The UK has taken in 169,000 refugees and asylum seekers which is less than 1 per cent of the world’s total. To put that into context, Turkey, Jordan, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon and Pakistan between them have accommodated over half the world’s refugees despite the fact that their economies combined make up less than 2 per cent of the global economy.
Millions fleeing violence and conflict
As many as 65 million people have had to flee as a result of violence and conflict. 40.8 million have relocated within their own countries and 21.3 million are refugees. There are 3.2 million people awaiting asylum decisions. Those numbers are the highest on record. Whilst the civil war in Syria is a major source of refugees, people are also being forced to flee conflicts taking place in South Sudan, Burundi, Yemen and Iraq. Oxfam has been preparing for two major summits on the migration crisis and is urging governments to accommodate more refuges and do more to help poor countries that are shouldering most of the responsibility
“Many governments are turning their backs on the suffering of millions of vulnerable people who have fled their homes and shirking their duty to protect them. Thousands are risking their lives to reach a safe haven. Those lucky enough to survive often end up living in squalid conditions without enough clean water or food and face hostility, discrimination and abuse with too many governments doing little to help or protect them.” Mark Goldring, chief executive of Oxfam GB, said.
Rich countries need to do their bit
Mr. Goldring adds that the migration crisis is complex and requires a coordinated global response. This means that the wealthier nations need to do their fair share and should host more refugees and make sure they are protected no matter who they are. He went on to say that the UK must show that it is both tolerant and open and will play its part in solving the crisis.
“It is shameful that as one of the richest economies the UK has provided shelter for less than one per cent of refugees.��
