Issues concerning refugees, such as their rights while in camps, or their issues after resettlement, has been one of my areas of interests. Resettlement has done a lot of good to most of the refugees, nevertheless there are some changes required in the way they are portrayed.

Resettlement is a solution for a very small number of refugees in the world. Majority of the refugee population still live in limbo, unable to integrate into the local community, nor being able to go back home or going to third country for resettlement. Article 14.1 of Universal Declaration states “everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries of asylum from persecution” (UN, 1949). In itself is a refugee law. Nevertheless it is not recognised.

Most of refugees decisions are made for them, by either government or UNHCR, this includes even after resettlement. This is also because they have been very dependent for a long time. Very often are they given the opportunity to make decisions for themselves. This way what is best for them is always undermined. Humanitarian agencies often portray refugees as passive and helpless, rather than as active agents who can assert their own interests (Rajaram, 2002).

Once a refugee, they have to face various problems that make them vulnerable than to any other groups or minorities. Women are doubly vulnerable and so are children. The international law assigns responsibility to the government. And the government expects humanitarian agencies, such as the UN to take care of the refugees. They must stop shifting responsibility and take proper unified actions in order to make changes that will not only help refugees, but reduce the chances of refuge. This way there will be no chance for anyone to be vulnerable to human rights abuses.

Everyone (including aid providers, UN agencies, governments and local people) must accept and acknowledge thier duties and responsibilities towards refugees.