Response to Global Refugee Crisis: In Search of Best Practices for the States

Abstract

The global refugee crisis has become a critical concern in international law. Despite the presence of an international refugee law regime, the refugee hosting countries have resorted to different approaches in responding to the issue. In most cases, responding countries take a defensive approach towards the refugees, and the international refugee law regime itself is not enough to ensure their protection due to its weak enforcement mechanism. However, there are some exceptions. Some countries have set benchmarks in responding to the refugee crises by going beyond their legal obligations. This paper has analyzed the international legal framework on refugee protection, explored the responses by Germany, Turkey, Uganda, and Columbia, and attempted to identify their good practices that can be role models for other refugee hosting states. While comparing the approaches of the four states, the study found that, inter alia, the economic condition of a refugee hosting country is not a barrier to ensuring the rights of the refugees, the conventional humanitarian approach is evolving into an integration strategy, and the willingness of the hosting state is more significant than its legal obligation. Based on the findings, the paper has made recommendations that can be guidelines for the refugee hosting states in responding to the refugee crisis.