Migration Of Refugees

The Commonwealth of Australia recognizes that migration of refugees is a sensitive issue and what critical impact it has on the economy not only for the host countries but also for the donor countries which are supporting the movement. As a signatory to the United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and to the subsequent 1967 protocol, Australia accepts a moral responsibility as part of an international effort co-ordinated by the United Nations but with target set by the Australian policies. While more than 140 countries have ratified the UN convention and protocol, only nine have resettlement programs. On per capita basis, Australia is one of the most generous countries in terms of resettlement of refugees.

The process

Their interest may be better served by resettlement elsewhere. The Australian government makes an annual contribution to the United Nation High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) which is the main body associated with such resettlement.

Australia, on many occasions has raised its concern regarding the increasing number of Syrian refugees. Not only the refugees should have all the basic needs fulfilled but the host country’s economy should not suffer either.

With the global warming increasing at an alarming rate it is now time to think about the future of the climate refugees. The island nations of Maldives, Tuvalu and Kiribati have asked for assistance from the Australian government regarding a possible migration. Although the Australian government can’t make any certain promises but The Commonwealth of Australia is considering their situation with high priority but it has to consider its own citizens first. The Australian government can never put its own people in harm’s way. There is much to discuss about this issue and Australia would suggest other countries to volunteer for support for these struggling island

In 2013-14 fiscal year, Australia spent $5.6 billion in foreign aid. Australia is the second largest aid donor to East Asia and the Pacific. It is by far the largest donor in the Pacific Islands region. Recently the OECD Development Assistance Committee has declared that Australia has a 60 per cent share of total aid from OECD countries to the Pacific Islands region. The Australian government’s aid program has its strongest focus on the Indo-Pacific region where 22 of 24 countries are still developing and face significant poverty issues. Countries in the Indo-Pacific region will receive an estimated 92 per cent of country and regional program funding in 2014-15 (compared to 86 per cent previously) to promote prosperity, reduce poverty and enhance stability. Australia also has made notable contribution in Latin America and the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa region. Australia has allocated $338.6 million of the current total aid budget to humanitarian aid, emergencies and refugee expenditure in 2014-15, with additional funding allocated to assist communities to reduce disaster risk in these