News / Society

World's six richest nations host less than 9% of refugees

Monday, 18 July 2016 10:37 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 18 July 2016 12:55 PM ]

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, (AFP)

The world's poorer countries shoulder most of the refugee burden while wealthiest nations host less than nine percent of the refugees, leading poverty charity Oxfam says.

According to a report released by the charity on Monday, the US, China, Japan, Germany, France and the UK host 2.1 million refugees, which is 8.9 percent of the world’s total.

The countries together make up more than 56 percent of the global economy, according to Oxfam.

“It is shameful so many governments are turning their backs on the suffering of millions of vulnerable people who have fled their homes and are often risking their lives to reach safety," said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International.

"Poorer countries are shouldering the duty of protecting refugees when it should be a shared responsibility," she added.

In a sharp contrast, the report revealed the countries that host more than half of the world's refugees and asylum seekers account for less than two percent of the world's global economy.

Turkey, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, South Africa and Palestine collectively host almost 12 million refugees.

“The richest countries need to be part of the solution and do their fair share by welcoming and protecting more refugees,” Byanyima said.

She said the recent “international displacement” is an unprecedented and complex challenge that requires a “coordinated global response.”

The organization also called on the UK to “show that it is an open, tolerant society that is prepared to play its part in solving this crisis.”

Britain, which is one of the richest economies in the world, has provided shelter for less than one percent of refugees.

This photo shows a refugee camp in Mytilene, on the island of Lesbos, on June 18, 2016.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 65 million people have left their home to escape war, violence, and human rights violations in 2015.

The number of displaced people has topped the highest record ever, surpassing even post-World War II numbers.

Oxfam said a recent deal between the European Union and Turkey has left thousands detained in Greece in "legal limbo," setting a dangerous precedent.

Many blame support by some Western countries for militants operating in the Middle East as the main reason behind the refugee influx into Europe.

Based on the deal, which was struck in March, boat refugees arriving on European soil via the Aegean Sea may be sent back to Turkey.

About 54,000 refugees have been stuck in makeshift refugee camps across Greece.

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