A Look at the US Program on Resettlements of Refugees
A refugee is defined as a person who is subjected to removal from their country of nationality or birth due to the Security Council resolution 815(ocide) on Darfur. A potential refugee is usually not in a position to seek protection within their own country, as their home may be in danger or they may be in violation of their human rights. In these cases, international protection is needed. The term “refugee” is used, with some variations, to describe those people who have crossed borders to seek safety and protection.
A refugee is not only vulnerable but also exposed to risks. Being displaced means you have nowhere else to go. So, not being able to return to your home could mean certain death for them and their families. A large number of the displaced people are children. Most of them do not know how long they will be gone and what awaits them. This makes it difficult for them to decide and act responsibly in situations where they might have influence, such as how to vote or participate in an election.
For these reasons, a large portion of the six.7 million people fleeing violence in the Middle East and Africa are considered as refugees. They are most vulnerable during periods of intense violence and need international assistance for protection. During the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, tens of thousands of people were killed. At the time, the government and opposition had a difficult time putting together a united response that would benefit all.
When people fled their homes and crossed borders in search of safety, they took along the necessary belongings, including family members and elderly people. Some made dangerous journeys into Europe or the United States. While they may have been seeking peace and security, they may have also been exposing themselves to further human rights violations, which can increase their risk of death and other serious risks.
International law was created to protect people against acts of aggression, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. According to the United Nations High Commission for International Relations, “Rights of the refugee should be universal and equal among all states irrespective of race, nationality, gender, religion, political or economic position, or social composition.” The Universal Declaration on the Rights of the Family states that every individual has the right to seek refuge in the country that he or she chooses, regardless of nationality, religion, or birth. Additionally, the declaration adds that every person has the right to return to his or her country provided that security and safety conditions are present and safe.
Resettlement programs allow refugees to resettle in the United States under the terms of an agreement between the US and the country of origin. Though the United States accepts certain populations and sponsors others, there is no mandate for resettlements from other countries. Because the United States does not accept unsolicited requests for resettlements, most individuals who are displaced or who have fled because of war or violence do not make known their exact circumstances to the US authorities, leaving them in dire situations where they may receive an unwanted settlement offer.
