THE SIX WEALTHIEST countries in the world, which account for more than half the world’s economy, host less than 9% of the world’s refugees.
Analysis from Oxfam shows that collectively the United Kingdom, United States, China, Japan, Germany and France hosted 2.1 million refugees and asylum seekers last year – just 8.88% of the world total.
Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, South Africa as well as the Occupied Palestinian Territory host over 50% of the world’s refugees and asylum seekers but account for under 2% of the world’s economy.
While Germany has upped the number of refugees it is taking, there still remains a major gap in who is taking displaced people.
Oxfam says it wants world leaders to increase shelter and support for people on the move across the wealthier countries, and to also give greater assistance to developing countries which are offering protection to the majority of refugees.
Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive, said richer nations are “turning their backs” on the problem.
The generosity of poor countries welcoming people fleeing for their lives stands in stark contrast to wealthy countries turning their backs on the desperation and suffering of vulnerable people.
“Poorer countries cannot continue to shoulder the responsibility of protecting refugees when it should be shared.”
Over 65 million people have fled their homes because of conflict, persecution and violence; the highest level since records began. A third of these are refugees and asylum seekers, while the majority have been internally displaced.
The conflict in Syria has been a major factor, but people are also fleeing violence in South Sudan, Burundi, Iraq and Yemen.
Clarken said the mood on taking in refugees was “darkening”.
“We must stand as one with the millions of people who have been forced to flee.”
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