Migration

• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) - A specialised agency of the United Nations mandated to protect refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people and victims of human trafficking.
• Polish migration to the UK

  Initially as a result of EU free movement and a shortage of labour in some key UK industries. There was Polish communities within the UK already know as diasporas.

  Poor low wages and unattractive work + unemployment in Poland compared to the higher wages and standards of living in western Europe and the superpower status of the UK.
• Polish migration to the UK

  In 2013 500,000 Poles emigrated. 

  Immigrants largely made up of 3 groups:

  1.  Those who want to make as much money as possible then return to Poland as quick as possible.

  2.  Those who wish to be a part of British culture and values due to its soft power and influence.

  3.  Those migrating to the UK for family.
• The USA and Mexico’s migration

  Both are interdependent and economically benefit.

  Mexico heavy purchases US exports thus supporting the jobs within states such as Texas and California. It also invests in businesses within the US. This is as a result of NAFTA.

  Mexicans often migrate into the USA for daily work and then return back.

  Many also work informally which helps to support US businesses.
• Reasons for migration from Mexico:

  Push: high Mexican crime rates, unemployment and poverty, climate and natural hazards exacerbated by climate change.

  Pull: quality of life, infrastructure, services, diasporas, academic opportunities.
• Impacts of Mexican migration: 

  Assimilation of migrants is poor due to low levels of English which does not improve as they live in closed communities. 

  Higher crime rates due to low incomes/ education.

  Cultural diversity and mixing of cultures.
• impacts of Mexican migration:

  Brain drain and lack of young males within Mexico.

  Many of the jobs taken by migrants are low paying but now as unemployment has risen many Americans cannot access those jobs and feel their jobs are taken.

  Increased the competitiveness of labour and lowered wages.

  Many of those leaving Mexico have left rural areas that no longer produce food for the country.
• The USA and people smuggling

  2/3 of all immigrants in the USA are there illegally.

  97% of illegal migrants into the US entered through the border with Mexico.

  Majority are smuggled through in trucks although some cross by foot, tunnels or rail.

  There are large criminal groups who operate within Mexico that specialise in smuggling people across the border. They face little risk of arrest. $6.6 billion revenue each year. Authorities struggle to arrest smugglers as they claim to be regular migrants.
• Remittances and the Philippines

  $30 billion in 2020 almost 10% of GDP

  Boosts standards of living for many households due to an improvement in income and help to lift some out of poverty.
• Remittances and the Philippines

  Primary come from workers within the USA, Gulf countries and Australia.

  Economic fragility and reliance on other countries.

  Government actively supports and facilitates the movement through incentivising remittances channels and assistance for migrant workers.
• Tajikistan: 48% GDP from remittances.
• Rohingya Muslims and Bangladesh.

  Example of ethnic cleansing leading to Muslims being forced to flee the country to neighbouring Bangladesh. The army has targeted civilians and many claim it is a genocide.

  They are seen as illegal immigrants and the government has denied them basic rights and does not recognise them in censuses.

  Military killed Rohingya civilians, abused women and girls and burned homes
• Refugee crisis:

  Almost a million Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh. Many within Cox’s Bazar refugee camp.

  A settlement was reached for the return of refugees to Myanmar although none left. Many stated they would not return unless granted citizenship.

  2019 Bangladesh closed its borders to fleeing Rohingya people. 
• Effect on Bangladesh:

  Many have migrated to only a handful of camps.

  Rohingya people now outnumber local people 2:1 in areas close to the border.

  Densely populated areas taking up vast amounts of resources which Bangladesh is struggling to facilitate.
• UNHCR- United nations High Commission for Refugees.

  ·     Legal protection: advocates the rights of refugees and non refoulment, identification as refugees, right to seek asylum, basic human rights.

  ·     Assistance: Aid, education, healthcare, Peacekeeping troops sent to protect camps.

  ·     Monitors compliance of states to international refugee law.
• 1951 refugee convention 

  Non refoulment and legal recognition and right to protection from governments.
•  

  Dublin rule:

  Redistributes refugees across the whole of the EU so singular countries are not responsible.

  Increased security including fingerprinting and checking across databases.

  Those with genuine link to country will be transferred there.
• NGOs:

  e.g amnesty international 

  lobby governments and bring refugee rights into the debate. Often attempt to investigate rights abuses and force governments to address refugee crisis.
• NGOs were influential in forcing the international community to recognise Rohingya people as refugees and force Bangladesh to facilitate camps.

  Also offer practical assistance such as aid, education and social care.
• National governments of neighbouring countries:Establish shelters and camps: With support from the UNHCR and NGOs, the Bangladesh government has established refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to accommodate the Rohingya refugees. ​
• Registration and Documentation: with the UNHCR, Bangladesh have conducted registration to document Rohingya refugees to ensure that they have legal recognition and therefore access to protection. ​

  Humanitarian Assistance.
•  

  EU:

  Dublin rule.

  Financial support for host countries within the EU.

  Guidelines and standards for countries receiving refugees.
•  

  IDPs within Syria

  Over 6.8 million internally displaced.

  Due to long term civil war.

  The crisis was exacerbated by the earthquake in 2023.
•  

  Germany and Syria (refugee crisis)

  Germany reported 2.1 million refugees in 2022 a 65% rise from the year before.

  Almost half are from Syria.
• The German federal government helps to train and supports employment of refugees which allows them to gain full time employment. This helps refugees to better integrate into the country and boosts the German economy. 
• Palestine and IDPs within Gaza and the West Bank:

  Conflict within Gaza has led to 1.7 million people being internally displaced. The situation is unique as these IDPs are unable to flee and leave Gaza. Extremely dangerous as the IDPs (civilian) are at risk from Israeli attack.
• The west bank has suffered less from direct conflict but from land grabs. The Israeli state has officially recognised land that was Palestinian and informal settlements have forced Palestinian people out of their villages through violence.
• Area C (the Israeli part of the west bank 60%) has been gradually expanded. The international community views the Israeli settlements within the west bank as illegal stating it violates the Geneva convention.
• Columbia land grabs

  2nd highest number of IDPs (10% of the population)

  Those living in mountain and forests are at risks from land grabs due to coal and gold exports. Often occurs due to violence from armed Militias but also government decisions to set up mines. 
• Gorai Garbage site closure.

  Site was emitting methane, toxic run off leading to it becoming one of the unhealthiest areas to live in.

  Solution:

  Supreme court ordered it be improved for local people. They lined the bottom to prevent runoff, park created on the top with a gentle hill and methane capture technology.
• Mumbai monorail

  Poor air quality due to gridlock traffic, congestion impact on economy. Buses are ineffective. 

  Solution:

  Monorail built above built up areas, however expensive and did not reach as far as the old city. 

  Low passenger numbers, not widely used even with cheap tickets.
• Dharavi slum clearance

  45,000 slums cleared

  Flats replaced slums

  Created piped water and sewage.

  Aimed to provide low-cost housing

  Education and health services.
• Dharavi slum clearance however:

  rent cost more

  Reduced the strong sense of communities 

  Residents couldn’t prove length of residency.

  Mainly benefits the rich.

  Small businesses within the slums were forced out of business. \
• community toilet blocks 

  Provision of toilets

  Sanitation

  Families purchase monthly permits to use the toilets at a cheap price

  However:

  Charged money 

  Designed ineffectively
• Hamara foundation

  Social work and mentoring for street children.

  Access to education.

  However:

  Only 327 children into schools
•  

  Agora Microfinance

  Provided loans for those in slums to invest in infrastructure and businesses.
• Ukrainian Refugee crisis

  Direct invasion of the country by Russia has led to conflict and a large number of displaced people.

  8 million IDPs

  At least 6 million Refugees.

  60% of Ukrainian refugees taken by Poland and a similarly significant amount from Germany.