RETHINKING UNHCR AND OIC RESPONSE TO FORCED MIGRATION

Abstract

Climate change, population trends, and uneven socioeconomic development have produced a world with unprecedented numbers of people migrating in search of a better life, being forced to leave their homes and countries of origin. As of the end of 2017, the UNHCR estimated that there are 68.5 million refugees worldwide, the highest number ever, which is generally increasing due to the influx of large numbers of people from conflict areas. The international community has never witnessed such a wide scale disaster and demographic challenge as forced migration. The UNHCR and the OIC are among the key organizations that have endeavored to protect forced migrants. However, their response is generally viewed to be inadequate and ineffective, suffering from some gaps, and being confined to conventional humanitarian models that do not address the root causes of the problem. Hence, this paper reflects on the UNHCR and the OIC forced migration governance, response, and protection systems. It also recommends sustainable responses to forced migration issues.