Why?
Everyone should have the right to participate
Instead of condemning people to be passive aid receivers and simply "wait out" their time in exile, humans who have been forced out of their homes should have the right to participate in their community and co-create their environment (UDHR Art 23). Rather than enforcing circumstances that remind one of detention, a place where people may feel punished and victimized at the same time, refugees should be recognized as the individuals they are, encouraged to share their knowledge and skills. rrived inhabitants will establish a more peaceful environment and enjoy a healthier and more resilient personal experience than if they were not allowed to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.
Forceful migration matters to all of us
Literally every person on this planet is at risk of being forced to leave their home at some point in time. At UP, we believe that acting with compassion for those who had to leave their lives as they knew it behind is a basic human responsibility.
Arguments to allow for displaced people to contribute are countless : individual empowerment, civic responsibility, improving international security, raising the education and capabilities of those who will rebuild their home countries in the future, to name just a few. Plus, on the economic side, by taking advantage of local skills the financially struggling humanitarian sector could use their scarce resources more efficiently.Forced migration is becoming more and more relevant. And every effected person should be protected and encouraged to contribute to making this a better and more peaceful world.
Everyone is great at doing something.
Once a person reaches a camp or another safe place, their skills, expertise and human complexity are no different than they were in their previous home. Natural disasters or complex emergencies strike regions of all income groups and geographic locations. While refugee settlements may not host a representative group of the general population of origin, the individuals in exile represent an enormous variety of backgrounds and experience. An outstanding mix of minds and individual histories, with a set of experiences, skills and insights.
Imagine if...
People who were forced to flee got to contribute and participate. By co-creating their (semi-)temporary living space, newly arrived inhabitants will establish a more peaceful environment and enjoy a healthier and more resilient personal experience than if they were not allowed to contribute to their community in a meaningful way.