Refuge 97-155 Reading Journal

This section begins with an examination of the moral obligations of countries that accept refugees, as well as the rights that those people fleeing their home countries should possess. The basic conclusion the authors arrive at is that the moral obligation of haven countries should be to restore the quality of life of refugees to its pre-flight condition. The final section makes the case for vastly improving the quality of aid given to refugees who settle in regions close to their home region, these regions host the greatest number of refugees who are generally more vulnerable and needy than the those who can afford the trip to wealthier countries.

1. The book stresses the importance of refugees returning to their country to rebuild post-conflict/crisis. Is it the moral obligation of a refugee to return home if they have the opportunity to instead remain in a more stable and wealthy country?

2. How can global cooperation prevent refugees from being used as 'bargaining chips' as seen in Turkey and Kenya?