They Are All Like Us
Grassroots (Advance Copy for Paid Subscribers): From Ukraine to Sudan to Guatemala
This is an advance copy of my upcoming column for the Progressive Populist. It is for paying subscribers.
They Are All Like Us
The global refugee system is broken.
Created in the wake of World War II when millions were left homeless throughout Europe, the international refugee protection system established a set of definitions that created legal protections designed to aid people fleeing war and persecution. The system’s earliest rules focused on Europe, but were expanded in 1967 to cover much of the rest of the world.
The system worked well for quite some time, but are now failing the very people they are meant to help. Historical racism, reluctance by richer nations, and changing threats have left many who need protection without it — a failure underscored by the massive refugee crisis caused by Russia’s illegal and immoral war in Ukraine.
The world has been stepping up and aiding the nearly 3 million Ukrainians who have fled their homes since Vladimir Putin ordered the Russians to invade. Poland and other neighboring countries are doing the lion’s share of work, receiving refugees and working to help them resettle.
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