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Alarming increase in refugees
Popline
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Global refugee numbers surged dramatically between 1976 and 1990, with significant increases in Africa and Asia. This rise includes not only political refugees but also a growing number of economic and environmental migrants seeking asylum.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- International Relations
- Environmental Studies
Background:
- Worldwide refugee populations experienced an alarming increase from 2.8 million in 1976 to 17.3 million in 1990.
- Africa and Asia saw the most substantial refugee influxes, with numbers rising to 5.6 million and 8 million respectively.
- The Cold War's aftermath and regional conflicts in Ethiopia, Mozambique, Angola, and Afghanistan were primary drivers of displacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends and scale of global refugee increases over a 15-year period.
- To differentiate between traditional refugees fleeing persecution and emerging categories of economic and environmental migrants.
- To examine the impact of these growing numbers on asylum systems in developed nations.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of global refugee data from 1976 to 1990.
- Categorization of refugee populations based on international legal definitions and observed migration patterns.
- Review of asylum seeker trends and reception system pressures in Europe.
Main Results:
- Refugee numbers escalated significantly across all continents, with Asia experiencing particularly rapid growth.
- A notable increase in individuals migrating due to environmental degradation and economic hardship, termed 'economic and environmental refugees'.
- European nations faced mounting pressure on asylum systems, with a tenfold increase in asylum seekers in Germany and a significant rise across the continent.
Conclusions:
- The global refugee crisis intensified significantly in the late 20th century, driven by both political conflict and socio-economic factors.
- The distinction between political refugees and economic/environmental migrants is becoming increasingly blurred, posing new challenges for international policy.
- Developed countries experienced substantial strain on their asylum and welfare systems due to the escalating numbers and complex motivations of asylum seekers.