When large groups of people are forced to leave their homes, escaping conflict or persecution, they become refugees. Refugee crises can be caused by war, natural disasters or climate change, and they often involve complex human rights violations, which require international protection.

Large influxes of refugees can trigger political and social tensions. Hospitality towards refugees is a core national value in many countries, but it can reach a tipping point when the crisis becomes too big and it’s hard to cope. In the worst cases, scapegoating and manipulation may occur and temporary situations begin to feel permanent. This increases the risk of conflict, and it can also distract from the main goal: to end the underlying conflict which produces displacement.

The number of refugees worldwide has grown rapidly in recent years as a result of war, natural disasters and complex political developments. As a consequence, millions of people have been displaced across borders or trapped within their own countries, and the majority need help to rebuild their lives.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières offers medical humanitarian care to displaced people along the whole spectrum of their journey, from treacherous and dangerous migration routes to overcrowded camps in the host country. We also bear witness and speak out against harmful government policies that shut out vulnerable displaced people. But it’s not only about policy; the world needs to start thinking and acting differently. If you can, please support the organisations that help people caught in the refugee crisis, and talk about the issue with friends and family – challenge myths and prejudices when they are raised!