Our Moral Obligations to Refugees Essay Example

Imagine being in an unknown foreign country with no money, no shelter, and nowhere to go to get help after just barely escaping a life or death situation. Additionally, those in the newfound community are biased against migrants. For over a million people, this terrible scenario is an everyday reality. Despite these hardships, refugees, persons fleeing armed conflict or persecution, make the escape to new countries every day in hope of gaining asylum. Citizens of the world can make the journey for these displaced persons easier by holding moral obligations such as practicing kindness and acceptance, advocating for travel reforms, and providing programs that focus on education, economics, and etiquette.

Each member of the community holds a moral obligation to refugees. Our duty as human beings is to protect and guide each other, especially those in need. Betts and Collier even write about our moral conditions, stating, “It is the raw compassion that is the bedrock of the human condition” (Betts and Collier, 100). Most, if not all refugees, partake in long arduous journeys in order to seek asylum. Many pay thousands of dollars to board small, overcrowded, make-shift rafts prone to sink. These stateless persons run from one life or death situation to the next, hoping to find some sort of safe haven. Once again, it is our job as not only global citizens, but as fellow human beings to aide newcomers and help them to adapt to their new communities. Each citizen can guide refugees in their area by being kind, welcoming, and informative. Most evacuees have little to no money when they migrate. They may also face language barriers, bias, and have no idea how to start their new life in a foreign country. By showing them kindness, keeping an open mind, and trying to understand their situations, we are one step closer to achieving our moral obligation. 

Furthermore, just like each of us hold our own personal obligations, each country also carries a moral obligation. Countries should be prepared to provide new arrivals a safe space. Additionally, it would be helpful if each country put new programs in place to aide refugees into society. Once again the text suggests, “duty of rescue, which requires that the life be restored. As closely as possible to pre-refuge conditions” (Betts and Collier, 107). In other words, it is our civic duty to help keep the life of refugees as normal as possible in order to make a better life for them. One way to restore some sort of normalcy would be to advocate for travel reform. By having laws that hold “people smugglers” accountable, there may be less fatalities on the trip for peace. With that being said, travel reforms would be hard to enforce, especially, in international waters. In addition to travel reforms, programs that focus on education, economy, and etiquette would provide a critical aspect to the assimilation process. First, educational systems should be created specifically for communities that find an influx in refugees. These programs would teach the new language, if there is one, and provide the attendees with primary knowledge needed in society. An educational program such as this would be helpful for children who need extra help with their schooling and to adults who need to provide for their families but possess a language barrier. 

An introductory economic program would be advantageous to those who are displaced. Each country has a different economic environment which can be difficult to learn. This kind of program would teach refugees about things like resumes, job opportunities, taxes, and even currency. For example, an economic program in the United States would teach about the dollar, income taxes and even the general idea of capitalism. Finally, an etiquette program to teach about common manners would also be beneficial to new citizens in society. For example, in Japan it’s polite to bow when you are meeting someone new, but in America we shake hands instead. It’s important that new citizens learn about common manners within society so that they don’t feel left out or confused about the small things. All in all, programs that target education, economics, and etiquette would be valuable to migrants.

Likewise, while countries and the citizens within those countries have moral obligations to refugees, refugees also have a moral obligation to their new countries as well. President John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” (“Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You…”). Migrants should understand that the societies they have been placed in are going to be much different than what they are used to. They should try their best to learn about their surroundings and take advantage of the resources they are offered. Additionally, they should be law-abiding citizens who are proud of their new country and participate in giving back to the communities that helped foster them.

Moreover, migrants should have the right to choose where they will make a home.  However, in today’s society refugees don’t always have the choice to decide. The conditions of the states they are fleeing as well as the resources available are poor. Hence, a quick and hasty retreat to the nearest country is typically the most viable option. Accordingly, many countries do not have the facilities to properly take care of the evacuees. The book supports this ideal, suggesting, “…the unfair distribution of responsibility between states; the misallocation of scarce resources to support bureaucratic asylum systems in rich countries rather than refugees hosted by poor countries; and a bias in favour of refugees who have the means to embark on dangerous journeys to rich countries” (Betts and Collier, 102). Essentially, the text suggests that nations need to have designated spaces, a strong economy, and virtually no political or rooted bias against refugees. While escapees should get the choice to decide where they settle down, many factors hinder that choice and leave them with no personal decision. 

Having the privilege of working with mentees in After School Club this semester helped me gain more respect for refugees. I have always had an open mind about immigration but working closely with the students this semester made me broaden my feelings. Whether they be refugees or immigrants, each person deserves respect and a community that supports them.  From working with the kids in the program, I’ve gained new insights on how to make communities safer and how to be active in the community. It was a blessing to be able to support refugees in the local community. I am very thankful to have been part of this experience and thankful to the children who have taught me more valuable lessons in just a few weeks than I have learned in twenty years.

Imagine being in an unknown land after just experiencing months of threats and a journey across the sea. After making it ashore, authorities are waiting to help families off of the boats and move them to a shelter where clothes and food will be provided. From there refugees will be able to participate in programs to help them learn about the new society that they are now a part of. For millions, this dream could become a reality and it starts with our own moral obligations. By practicing kindness and acceptance, advocating for reforms in travel safety, and providing programs that pinpoint education, economics, and etiquette refugees can find safe havens throughout the world.