Historical maximum: 123 million people on the run!

Historical maximum: 123 million people on the run!

Brandenburg an der Havel, Deutschland - Currently over 123 million people worldwide are on the run, a sad record that the UNHCR (High Refugee Commissioner of the United Nations) recently made public. The alarming number also includes 40 percent children and adolescents. But what are the reasons that drive people to flee? War, armed conflicts, climatic changes and growing economic inequality mean that more and more people have to leave their homes.

The humanitarian disasters that go hand in hand with forced migration once again show the urgency to tackle these topics. Diana Gonzalez Olivo, the state integration officer, emphasizes how important permanent contact points and suitable offers for young migrants are. Language courses, psychosocial support and the accessibility to educational offers are central factors for successful integration.

schools as places of integration

schools take on a key role in the integration process. They are not only educational institutions, but also the linchpin for social exchange. Every person, regardless of their origin, should receive equal educational opportunities. This was also evident at the exam of the State Working Group of the municipal integration officers (LAGIB) in Brandenburg an der Havel, which took place on June 18 and 19.

Here, the focus was on the exchange about the challenges in integration work with the association Neubürger e.V. The association is working intensively to support refugees and to promote the cohesion between locals and newcomers. In cooperation with the "Christian Association of Young People" Brandenburg, the importance of democratic education is particularly emphasized. This education is considered a preventive remedy for radicalization and conflicts.

The role of the international community

But there is also global responsibility. The Welthungerhilfe emphasizes that most refugees are housed within their own country or in neighboring countries, often in Asia and Africa. The industrialized countries have to become aware of their shared responsibility on the causes of escape and do not let the countries that absorb refugees. Innovative approaches are necessary to offer people support in addition to the provision of food and accommodation. Psychosocial support, access to education and work as well as legal advice are essential.

The UNHCR also plays a crucial role here. This is committed to the protection and rights of refugees, displaced and stateless and works to minimize negative effects of large population movements on nature. According to Uno refugee aid , war and violence are often the main causes of flight. Many people flee for fear of their life and well -being of their relatives.