Why Do Certain Countries Have So Many Refugees?

Maps demonstrating where refugees are
 from and where refugees typically go. 

Why do some countries have more refugees trying to escape than others? As I mentioned in a previous blog, the countries where the most refugees come from are Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iran, Columbia, Afghanistan, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, however, many other countries are home to refugees desiring asylum. Why is it that these particular countries have so many people applying for refugee status? All of the countries with very high rates of refugees tend to have little education, are not democratic and hold a poorer quality of life in some manner (such as poor medical care, lack of gender equity, etc…).

First of all, we all know that a lack of education means less job opportunity in the future. Less job opportunity and poor job options means continuing a family’s cycle of poverty. A lack of education creates poverty, which creates inequality (the ever growing gap between the rich and the poor). Poverty and inequality are two root causes of conflict and by increasing the amount of education given, we would both reduce conflict and poverty, as well as decrease the earth's population. The most common reason for refugees to attempt to see asylum is conflict, violence and/or war. By educating more people, the number of global refugees would decrease quite simply and the amount of violence would greatly reduce. The lack of education for most citizens in many refugee-prone countries plays a large part in the amount of conflict, which is a main reason for refugees fleeing to Canada.

Democracy would be a huge step in the right
direction for many in oppressed nations. 

Democracy is a huge factor in quality of life. Democracy reflects the desires of the people. The people elect the candidate that they feel will create the best life for them. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Elections belong to the people. It's their decision.” (1860). Without democracy, the people have no voice, no expression and no freedom. Everyone deserves to participate in their government and when the people are not permitted to participate in their government, their quality of life dips. Who the people elect represents what it is that the majority of the population want for their country. Very few countries with high numbers of refugees have a democratic government and denying people their right to participate in their government is a violation of their basic human rights, rights that we expect to have. It is too harsh for us to expect to live a democratic life and yet try to prevent others from doing so.

Gender Equality Needs to Happen Before We Can
Live in a Non-Violent and Prosperous World

Finally, there are quality of life indicators, 

one of which is gender equality. As I have touched upon in previous blogs, education privileges and gender equity go hand in hand- achieving education for all means making significant advancements in women’s rights. Approximately 50% of the population cannot be without education and employment opportunities without destroying their potential, the economy and their worth in the eyes of those around them. Unsurprisingly, as these countries are where many refugees are from, Pakistan, Columbia, and the majority of African countries stand out as treating their women the worst in the world. Canada is quite high on the list for high gender equality, however Sweden is ranked as the most gender equal country. “In many parts of the world rape is not considered a crime, goes unpunished and continues to be used as a tool of war. Female sexual slavery and forced prostitution are still terrible “facts of life” for poor, often very young, women. Genetic testing for defects of the unborn is used in some parts of the world to determine the sex of the foetus, so that females can be aborted, while in some countries, female infants are buried alive. Forced marriage and bride-burning are still prevalent in the Asian sub-continent. A pregnant woman in Africa is 180 times more likely to die of pregnancy complications than in western Europe. Women, mostly in rural areas, represent more than two-thirds of the world’s illiterate adults.” (weforum.org, 2005) If 50% of the population in many countries where refugees are coming from, this will greatly decrease the basic quality of life. This further proves my point- refugees are treated too harshly upon arrival in Canada. Women should not be expected to live in such unequal societies and we are being far too harsh if we refuse to allow asylum to people who wish to escape such an abusive society. (For anyone interested in gender equality, this link is absolutely wonderful! I got the long quote from there and it is detailed, easy-to-understand and very informative! http://www.weforum.org/pdf/Global_Competitiveness_Reports/Reports/gender_gap.pdf)

These indicators prove yet again why I feel that we are far too harsh on refugees. All that refugees want are to improve their lives and give their family better opportunities for the future. There is absolutely nothing with desiring that. I think that uprooting your life to protect your family and improve your quality of life is an admirable sacrifice to make, not something that we should be criticizing. Why should we expect to have such a high quality of life but expect someone else to live without? Where is the reason in that?