State Interests and the Global Response to Forced Displacement: How Can We Move Forward?

This chapter is a reflection on the state of the world with a focus on how the global political economy, conflict, violations of human rights, and climate change continue to challenge the international community in how we respond to people forced to flee. While a brief chapter cannot address all the factors that have gotten us to where we currently are, it is a modest attempt to identify key elements that can help us move towards a more equitable, just and predictable system to support the forcibly displaced. In addition to reviewing global political realities and challenges that impact UN institution and state behaviour, the paper provides several pathways, including expanding the application of human rights standards; the urgent need for UN Security Council reform; diversifying UN leadership and staffing; consolidating refugee participation and representation; and developing the law, policy and practice on reparations and accountability.