The refugee issue doesn’t go away but increases in its complexity! Opinions on how to “manage” this issue vary from country to country and from individual to individual. Some adopt a hardline approach, with tight border controls and limited assistance, to discourage being flooded by this needy people group. Others have a more laissez-faire approach, which causes resentment in the hosting population, as their own resources become stretched.
It is true, the government of any country needs to consider first the needs of its own citizens; with a multi-faceted approach.
A) By ensuring Its economic wellbeing through maximising opportunities for the business community;
B) Providing education that results in job opportunities for new graduates and apprentices;
C) By wise management of government resources, by supporting those in danger of “falling through the cracks”, due to sickness, accidents or other impediments which make them economically vulnerable. To do so is wise governance, as it is well known that poverty is closely linked to crime, sickness (both physical and mental), to various forms of addiction, all of which cost the government far more than any financial support to those struggling with poverty! It is a no brainer, but often overlooked!
Nevertheless, the issue of how to manage the refugee question does not go away and needs to be addressed in a compassionate but informed manner. Some organisations and individuals have no scruples to benefit from the plight of refugees. To block their attempts is best. It also protects vulnerable victims. By doing so, we have dealt with people smugglers but not with refugees themselves.
Turn their boats back?
Give them a hard time by shutting up whole families, individuals and children in indefinite detention, as we have been known to do?
Force them to be resettled to other countries, unlike the recent agreement with the U.S., often to third world countries, where their prospects look grim.
Sending “politically correct” overseas aid to third world countries, where people are in danger of choosing refugee status rather than staying, but where often corrupt governments don’t pass on these funds? A bit like Pontus Pilate who “washed his hands” and then had Jesus Christ crucified! Instead, there are proven alternate ways to assist the poor in such countries, to help them to make a viable life for themselves and their communities; i.e. through aid in the form of interest-free loans, which restore dignity and industry and motivation to individuals and whole communities.
Compassion is absent in most of the above; in the form of a genuine concern to address this world-wide issue of people who need to be given a second chance. It requires a team of knowledgable and caring experts, committed to genuinely helping, without aiding the human mushrooms who want to feed on the misery of refugees! Bureaucrats, diplomats and politicians cannot solve this issue alone. Yet, all too often they try (managerialism), wasting our precious resources through ineffective solutions and damaging our reputation as a country where human rights issues ought to be seriously considered in our decision-making process.
Lastly, as Christians, we need to keep this need close to our hearts through prayer and to remind God to help us be his hands and feet!