Put the refugee 'crisis' in context — UNHCR

If the international community worked together, refugees would no longer represent a crisis, but a group of people who have been given access to a safe and dignified life in exile. UNHCR's Melissa Fleming discusses the EU-Turkey pact and how funding will help coordinate efforts and resettlement quotas, in this #AcrossBorders guest column.

By Melissa Fleming // 29 March 2016

As the war in Syria enters its sixth year, blocked borders and folded arms now greet people trying to escape bombs and bullets.

Neighboring countries have taken in almost 5 million refugees and are close to capacity. Lebanon and Jordan have told the world they can manage no more unless recent pledges of massive new infrastructure and development support are met.

Turkey, host to 2.7 million Syrians, has agreed to take on even more of a refugee hosting role in exchange for $6 billion and the lifting of visa restrictions for its own citizens. This deal with the European Union is intended to cut off smuggler-run sea routes to Europe in exchange for resettlement of Syrian refugees from Turkey.

The views in this opinion piece do not necessarily reflect Devex's editorial views.

About the author

Melissa Fleming
As head of communications and chief spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Melissa Fleming leads communications efforts around the globe. Operating in 120 countries, UNHCR provides shelter and help for over 30 million people who have fled wars and persecution.