Reflections from the Frontlines
As I step down after a decade navigating the intricate landscapes of refugee challenges, I find myself reflecting on moments that have shaped my understanding of this harrowing crisis. When I assumed the role of U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in January 2016, conflicts were escalating across Syria, Afghanistan, and larger swathes of Africa, triggering unprecedented displacement.
In my early days, the echoes of sirens and cries for help were omnipresent. Fast forward to last summer, where I witnessed joyous returns of over a million Syrians fleeing back to their homeland as stability began to emerge. This fragile peace, however, has not induced a proportional compassion, nor has it shifted the sentiment towards refugees.
The Disconnect Between Reality and Perception
Yet what is troubling is the response from many governments who are doubling down on strict border policies and xenophobic rhetoric. Rather than absorbing the lessons from Syria's legacy—where reduced refugee numbers correlate directly with the cessation of violence—nations are opting for defensive stances fueled by populist narratives.
“The numbers don't fall due to draconian border policies; they fall because the fighting stops.”
This fundamental misalignment underscores a larger crisis of global leadership, where empathy has given way to self-preservation and blame-shifting. Ordinary citizens harbor genuine concerns about security, but many feel baffled by government solutions that seem to prioritize rhetorical toughness over humane strategies.
The Future of Asylum Systems
My tenure reveals that the world is not devoid of capable solutions; instead, there's a identified gap in political will. Far from the hyperbolic claims that the asylum systems are overburdened, the reality is that these systems are in dire need of modernization and support. By investing in quicker, more effective processes, we can ensure support reaches those whose lives hang in the balance.
The responsibility of protecting refugees must not clash with a nation's sovereign interests. The Refugee Convention, a key foundation in international law since World War II, asserts this dual responsibility. It is time governments reengage with these principles, recognizing that protecting vulnerable individuals enhances their own sovereignty rather than undermining it.
Beyond Borders: The Larger Perspective
Over 70 percent of today's refugees reside in low- and middle-income countries, eager for stability rather than a precarious journey to wealthier nations. We must bolster these host countries: Chad, Uganda, Lebanon, and Bangladesh need our assistance—more than just monetary, but in jobs, education, and rights for refugees.
The Call for Action
Confronting this humanitarian crisis is both a moral imperative and a prudent investment in our global future. The threat of unaddressed mass displacement transcends borders, leading to enduring instability, social discord, and escalating security risks.
Reinforced ambition in policies that marry humanitarian aid with development strategy will pave the way for a holistic approach to peacemaking. We must acknowledge the empowerment of those fleeing danger as essential to the restoration of their communities.
“At a cost lower than what we expend on defense, we can secure peace through compassion and support.”
A Shared Responsibility
As I prepare to conclude my role, the call to action could not be more pressing. With 117 million individuals forcibly displaced today, time is not on our side. An investment in peace and cooperation, rather than conflict and separation, is not merely an ethical obligation; it is an inevitable necessity for our shared humanity.
The tools and frameworks needed already exist. All that remains is our collective resolve to wield them effectively. In this moment of urgency, let us make a choice for inclusion, empathy, and shared progress.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/25/opinion/filippo-grandi-united-nations.html
