Committee: UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
Topic: The Question of Integrating Refugees into Host Countries
Chair: Charlie Selby
I. Introduction
The global refugee crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 100 million people forcibly
displaced from their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. As a result, the issue of
integrating refugees into host countries has become a critical challenge for the international
community. Integration encompasses the political, social, economic, and cultural processes through
which refugees are accepted and become part of the host society. This process, while essential to both
the refugees and host countries, presents significant opportunities and challenges, and it requires
coordinated efforts among governments, international organisations, and civil society.
II. Key Issues
1. Economic Integration
Economic integration is a cornerstone of refugee assimilation. Refugees often arrive in host
countries with few resources, and their ability to find work, access healthcare, and build economic
independence is crucial. Refugees may face legal and bureaucratic barriers to employment, including
restrictive visa requirements, lack of work experience recognised by host countries, or language
barriers. Many refugees possess valuable skills, but these may not align with the needs of the host
country's job market. Additionally, refugees often require language training and educational
support.: Host countries may have limited ability to provide sufficient social services, leading to
resource strain. Governments must balance refugee support with the needs of their own populations.
2. Social and Cultural Integration
Refugees often face significant cultural and social challenges when integrating into a new
society. Refugees may encounter prejudice from the local population, which can create tensions and
hinder integration. Public perception of refugees may be influenced by negative stereotypes or
political rhetoric. Refugees often face difficulties learning the language of their new country, which
limits their ability to communicate, access services, and fully participate in society. Ensuring social
cohesion requires fostering understanding and tolerance between refugees and host communities.
Efforts must focus on promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the acceptance of refugees as contributing
members of society.
3. Political and Legal Challenges
Integration also involves legal and political considerations. Refugees may not have full access to
political and civil rights in host countries, such as the right to vote or the ability to freely move
within the country. The process of seeking asylum and the determination of refugee status can be
lengthy and burdensome, leading to prolonged uncertainty and vulnerability for refugees: Policies on
refugee integration can vary widely between local governments and national governments. A lack of
coordination can undermine efforts to ensure refugees are properly supported.
4. Health and Psychological Well-being
Refugees often face health challenges both upon arrival and during their integration journey. Many
refugees suffer from trauma related to war, persecution, and displacement. Access to mental health
services is crucial but often lacking.Refugees may struggle to navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems
or lack access to necessary medical care, especially in countries with limited resources. In some
cases, there may be fears in host countries regarding public health risks associated with large refugee
inflows, particularly concerning infectious diseases or the strain on health systems.
III. Proposed Solutions
1. Enhanced Legal Frameworks for Refugee Rights
Countries should strengthen legal frameworks that protect refugees' rights, including the right to
work, access education, and health services. Clear pathways to permanent residency or citizenship
should be established to provide long-term security for refugees.
2. Economic Empowerment Programs
Integration should focus on empowering refugees economically through job training, language
acquisition, and recognition of foreign qualifications. Host countries should facilitate access to the job
market while ensuring refugees' rights to fair working conditions.
3. Community Integration and Public Awareness Campaigns
Governments and civil society organisations should invest in public awareness campaigns to combat
xenophobia and promote the benefits of refugee integration. Programs should also encourage refugees
to engage with their new communities through volunteerism, cultural exchange, and local decision-
making processes.
IV. Relevant Passed Resolutions
1. UN General Assembly Resolution 2198 (XXI) - 1966
• Title: "The Protection of Refugees and Displaced Persons"
• Context: This resolution acknowledged the importance of integrating refugees into the societies of
host countries, emphasising the provision of basic rights, such as education and employment, for
refugees.
• Significance: It marked a shift towards considering the long-term integration of refugees, not just
their protection and temporary assistance
.
2. UN General Assembly Resolution 45/151 - 1990
• Title: "International Cooperation to Address the Refugee Problem"
• Context: This resolution urged host countries to take steps towards the integration of refugees into
their societies, particularly focusing on economic, social, and cultural integration.
• Significance: It called for the adoption of policies and practices that would allow refugees to rebuild
their lives through self-sufficiency, access to education, and employment opportunities.
3. UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion No. 91 (L) - 1999
• Title: "Refugee Protection and Solutions"
• Context: This document underscored the importance of the long-term integration of refugees into host
societies, not just through legal means but also through social and economic inclusion.
• Significance: The conclusion set out practical guidelines for host countries, including promoting local
integration as one of the solutions to the refugee situation, rather than relying solely on resettlement or
repatriation.
4. UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion No. 109 (LXI) - 2010
• Title: "Local Integration"
• Context: This conclusion focused specifically on the local integration of refugees, calling for host
countries to create an enabling environment for refugees to integrate economically and socially into
their new communities.
• Significance: The document offered guidelines for governments on how to integrate refugees in ways
that respect their dignity and human rights, and emphasised the role of international cooperation in
supporting host countries in these efforts.
V. Conclusion
The integration of refugees into host countries is a complex but essential process that requires
comprehensive strategies addressing economic, social, legal, and psychological challenges. Host
countries, international organisations, and refugees themselves all have key roles to play. Effective
integration not only helps refugees rebuild their lives but also contributes to the social and economic
development of host countries. A coordinated, rights-based approach is essential to ensure that
refugees can live with dignity and contribute to their new communities .
