More than 2000 immigrants have died while crossing the Mediterranean this year, according to the United Nations. While the overall number has dipped to pre-2014 levels, but the refugee flows into Europe and elsewhere continues unabated.

It may be pointed out here that it was the multiples crisis in the Middle East, especially in Syria, that caused a spurt in refugee flows to the West. These flows not only caused various fissures and strains within Europe but also appear to have occluded “mainstream’” political parties in the region. ( The most intense stress was and is in Germany which, under Angela Merkel, graciously and generously accepted hundreds and thousands of refugees from the Middle East). 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
With the advent of populism and its variant of politics in Europe and elsewhere, the screws have been and are being tightened. &nbsp;While refugee flows will not stop for an assorted set of reasons, but the reaction to these is all set to grow. The question then is: what can be done about these flows? Is there a humanitarian complement policy to deal with these flows? 
&nbsp; 
The answer is multipronged but a few salient strands stand out. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The convention informing the policies to deal with refugee flows is somewhat passé. In the least, it needs to be tweaked, to deal with the 21st century realities. 
&nbsp; 
But, perhaps more important is to understand the nature of refugee flows into the developed world. Often times, or even invariably, refugees choose to put their lives at risk and venture into the developed world, braving and battling great odds and risk, to either flee from life-threatening conflicts, persecution in home countries and to seek the “good” life. All these are legitimate quests. But, the problems in the host countries are usually two-fold: one is the reaction of the natives, who either fear being “swamped” by “strange” and “different” cultures &nbsp;and feel threatened economically by the new arrivals, who, more often than not stress the welfare systems and public finances of host countries. The absorptive capacities of states are also taxed in the process. 
&nbsp; 
Given these issues, what then might constitute as an “appropriate” response to deal with refugee flows? 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The answer is as old-fas but potentially effective as it goes. 
&nbsp; 
It is in economic development and conflict resolution of and in states&nbsp;where usually refugees come from. It stands to reason to posit that very few people in the world would like to be “rootless” and move from societies, states and locales where they are from to “strange” and different ones. It takes a leap of imagination to do so and is, generally, an emotionally searing experience. But, conditions are such in their places of origin, that most refugees have no choice but are compelled to move. Prudence then suggests to actually sort out the “problem” at the source. That is, create propitious economic conditions at the respective homes of potential refugees and resolve political conflicts. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
The former would mean freer trade, embedding moribund economies into the sinews of the global economy and the latter expending political capital by way of resolving violent conflicts. If these approaches are reified and translated into reality, the “problem” to a large extent will be obviated. But, a caveat is in order here. Even if these approaches are picture perfect, so to speak, refugee flows will not entirely dry up. But, they will be reduced to such an extent that the flows thereof can be absorbed reasonably by recipient states and societies. 
&nbsp; 
In trade-induced economic growth and development and conflict resolution, then lie the antidotes to massive refugee flows. 
 
In the final analysis, refugees are human and the issues they poses must not be politicised or milked for political gain.&nbsp;

The challenges presented by refugee flows fall in the domain of humanitarian ones. The response should fall in and under the rubric of effective, generous and efficient policies where cooperation between states is essential. While there are legal bindings on states to accept a certain threshold of refugees, but the larger issue should be cast and framed in a larger moral and ethical framework. This does not mean a squishy or a merely sentimental response.

But, what it calls for is "hard heads and soft hearts”. Let then states and societies across the developed world review their assumptions and policies about refugees and flows thereof, design and devise policies that are not only win-win but which also redound to the greater good and welfare of peoples across the world.

&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

More than 2000 immigrants have died while crossing the Mediterranean this year, according to the United Nations. While the overall number has dipped to pre-2014 levels, but the refugee flows into Europe and elsewhere continues unabated.

More than 2000 immigrants have died while crossing the Mediterranean this year, according to the United Nations. While the overall number has dipped to pre-2014 levels, but the refugee flows into Europe and elsewhere continues unabated. It may be pointed out here that it was the multiples crisis in the Middle East, especially in Syria, that caused a spurt in refugee flows to the West. These flows not only caused various fissures and strains within Europe but also appear to have occluded “mainstream’” political parties in the region. ( The most intense stress was and is in Germany which, under Angela Merkel, graciously and generously accepted hundreds and thousands of refugees from the Middle East). With the advent of populism and its variant of politics in Europe and elsewhere, the screws have been and are being tightened. While refugee flows will not stop for an assorted set of reasons, but the reaction to these is all set to grow. The question then is: what can be done about these flows? Is there a humanitarian complement policy to deal with these flows? The answer is multipronged but a few salient strands stand out. The convention informing the policies to deal with refugee flows is somewhat passé. In the least, it needs to be tweaked, to deal with the 21st century realities. But, perhaps more important is to understand the nature of refugee flows into the developed world. Often times, or even invariably, refugees choose to put their lives at risk and venture into the developed world, braving and battling great odds and risk, to either flee from life-threatening conflicts, persecution in home countries and to seek the “good” life. All these are legitimate quests. But, the problems in the host countries are usually two-fold: one is the reaction of the natives, who either fear being “swamped” by “strange” and “different” cultures and feel threatened economically by the new arrivals, who, more often than not stress the welfare systems and public finances of host countries. The absorptive capacities of states are also taxed in the process. Given these issues, what then might constitute as an “appropriate” response to deal with refugee flows? The answer is as old-fas but potentially effective as it goes. It is in economic development and conflict resolution of and in states where usually refugees come from. It stands to reason to posit that very few people in the world would like to be “rootless” and move from societies, states and locales where they are from to “strange” and different ones. It takes a leap of imagination to do so and is, generally, an emotionally searing experience. But, conditions are such in their places of origin, that most refugees have no choice but are compelled to move. Prudence then suggests to actually sort out the “problem” at the source. That is, create propitious economic conditions at the respective homes of potential refugees and resolve political conflicts. The former would mean freer trade, embedding moribund economies into the sinews of the global economy and the latter expending political capital by way of resolving violent conflicts. If these approaches are reified and translated into reality, the “problem” to a large extent will be obviated. But, a caveat is in order here. Even if these approaches are picture perfect, so to speak, refugee flows will not entirely dry up. But, they will be reduced to such an extent that the flows thereof can be absorbed reasonably by recipient states and societies. In trade-induced economic growth and development and conflict resolution, then lie the antidotes to massive refugee flows. In the final analysis, refugees are human and the issues they poses must not be politicised or milked for political gain. The challenges presented by refugee flows fall in the domain of humanitarian ones. The response should fall in and under the rubric of effective, generous and efficient policies where cooperation between states is essential. While there are legal bindings on states to accept a certain threshold of refugees, but the larger issue should be cast and framed in a larger moral and ethical framework. This does not mean a squishy or a merely sentimental response. But, what it calls for is "hard heads and soft hearts”. Let then states and societies across the developed world review their assumptions and policies about refugees and flows thereof, design and devise policies that are not only win-win but which also redound to the greater good and welfare of peoples across the world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The refugee challenge is real but policy lags behind

US prepares to tackle migrant 'invasion'

WION Gravitas: US bound migrants clash at Guatemala-Mexico border

President Donald Trump said Monday the US will start cutting aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as a caravan of thousands of mostly Honduran migrants <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-migrant-caravan-crosses-into-mexico-marches-on-towards-us-172677">rolled on regardless toward the US border</a>.

Trump kept up his almost-daily Twitter attacks on the approaching caravan, calling it a national emergency and said he had alerted the US border patrol and military.

"We will now begin cutting off, or substantially reducing, the massive foreign aid" that the United States provides to the three Central American countries, he said.

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Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador were not able to do the job of stopping people from leaving their country and coming illegally to the U.S. We will now begin cutting off, or substantially reducing, the massive foreign aid routinely given to them.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1054356145798856704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mexican authorities had managed to block the "caravan" of migrants on a border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala, but many later crossed the river below in makeshift rafts before marching north.

The caravan of around 3,000 migrants was heading Monday to the town of Huixtla, around 40 kilometres further on from Tapachula in Chiapas State where they slept Sunday night.

"Sadly, it looks like Mexico's Police and Military are unable to stop the Caravan heading to the Southern Border of the United States. Criminals and unknown Middle Easterners are mixed in," Trump said in one tweet.

"I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Energy (sic). Must change laws!"

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Sadly, it looks like Mexico’s Police and Military are unable to stop the Caravan heading to the Southern Border of the United States. Criminals and unknown Middle Easterners are mixed in. I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Emergy. Must change laws!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1054351078328885248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Activists say the journey through of at least 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) through Mexico to the US border could take a month.

"We are well aware that this country (Mexico) didn't receive us as we expected, and they can return us to Honduras, and we also know there are drug traffickers who kidnap and kill migrants," Juan Flores, one of those migrants, told AFP.

"But we live with more fear in our country, so we carry on forward," he added.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also warned that the migrants "may be victimized by human smugglers or others who would exploit them."

"We also are deeply concerned by the violence provoked by some members of the group, as well as the apparent political motivation of some organizers of the caravan," Pompeo said in a statement.&nbsp;

About a thousand migrants, including women and children, were still stranded on a border bridge hoping to enter Mexico legally via Guatemala.

Mexican authorities insisted those on the bridge would have to file asylum claims one at a time in order to enter the country.&nbsp;

And another separate group of about 1,000 Hondurans started their own march across Guatemala, headed for Mexico and then the United States. The group of men, women and children gathered in Esquipulas before setting out on foot.

'No stopping us'

"No one is going to stop us, after all we've gone through," said 21-year-old Aaron Juarez, who was accompanied by his wife and baby and was walking with difficulty because of an injury.

Honduran farmer Edwin Geovanni Enamorado said he was forced to leave his country because of intimidation by racketeering gangs.

"We are tired, but very happy, we are united and strong," he said.

Britany Hernandez added: "We have sunburn. We have blisters. But we got here. Our strength is greater than Trump's threats."

Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for fair treatment of the migrants.

"We don't want them to face what (Mexicans) face when they need to look for work in the United States," he said on Twitter.

The caravan left San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras more than a week ago.

It has comprised between 3,000 and 5,000 people at various times as it moved through Guatemala, according to various sources.&nbsp;

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said more than 5,000 migrants had entered Guatemala from Honduras, but that some 2,000 had since returned home on a fleet of government-chartered buses

On Saturday, Mexican authorities opened the border for women and children on the overcrowded bridge, taking them to a shelter in Tapachula, about 40 kilometres from the border.

Plenty of migrants, however, are sleeping in the streets for fear that immigration officials could arrest them if they are in a shelter.

Rafting the river&nbsp;

Around 900 migrants -- tired of waiting on the bridge -- resorted to crossing the Suchiate River below on makeshift rafts and police did not intervene as they clambered up the muddy riverbank on the Mexican side on Saturday.

Morales and his Honduran counterpart Juan Orlando Hernandez said after meeting that the march was "violating the borders and the good faith of the states."

The Honduran president acknowledged that social problems were a contributory factor.

"Without a doubt, we have a lot to do so that our people can have opportunities in their communities," he said.

The migrants are generally fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence.

With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world, according to a Honduran university study.

President Donald Trump said Monday the US will start cutting aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as a caravan of thousands of mostly Honduran migrants rolled on regardless toward the US border.

President Donald Trump said Monday the US will start cutting aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador as a caravan of thousands of mostly Honduran migrants rolled on regardless toward the US border. Trump kept up his almost-daily Twitter attacks on the approaching caravan, calling it a national emergency and said he had alerted the US border patrol and military. "We will now begin cutting off, or substantially reducing, the massive foreign aid" that the United States provides to the three Central American countries, he said. Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador were not able to do the job of stopping people from leaving their country and coming illegally to the U.S. We will now begin cutting off, or substantially reducing, the massive foreign aid routinely given to them. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2018 × Mexican authorities had managed to block the "caravan" of migrants on a border bridge between Mexico and Guatemala, but many later crossed the river below in makeshift rafts before marching north. The caravan of around 3,000 migrants was heading Monday to the town of Huixtla, around 40 kilometres further on from Tapachula in Chiapas State where they slept Sunday night. "Sadly, it looks like Mexico's Police and Military are unable to stop the Caravan heading to the Southern Border of the United States. Criminals and unknown Middle Easterners are mixed in," Trump said in one tweet. "I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Energy (sic). Must change laws!" Sadly, it looks like Mexico’s Police and Military are unable to stop the Caravan heading to the Southern Border of the United States. Criminals and unknown Middle Easterners are mixed in. I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Emergy. Must change laws! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2018 × Activists say the journey through of at least 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) through Mexico to the US border could take a month. "We are well aware that this country (Mexico) didn't receive us as we expected, and they can return us to Honduras, and we also know there are drug traffickers who kidnap and kill migrants," Juan Flores, one of those migrants, told AFP. "But we live with more fear in our country, so we carry on forward," he added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also warned that the migrants "may be victimized by human smugglers or others who would exploit them." "We also are deeply concerned by the violence provoked by some members of the group, as well as the apparent political motivation of some organizers of the caravan," Pompeo said in a statement. About a thousand migrants, including women and children, were still stranded on a border bridge hoping to enter Mexico legally via Guatemala. Mexican authorities insisted those on the bridge would have to file asylum claims one at a time in order to enter the country. And another separate group of about 1,000 Hondurans started their own march across Guatemala, headed for Mexico and then the United States. The group of men, women and children gathered in Esquipulas before setting out on foot. 'No stopping us' "No one is going to stop us, after all we've gone through," said 21-year-old Aaron Juarez, who was accompanied by his wife and baby and was walking with difficulty because of an injury. Honduran farmer Edwin Geovanni Enamorado said he was forced to leave his country because of intimidation by racketeering gangs. "We are tired, but very happy, we are united and strong," he said. Britany Hernandez added: "We have sunburn. We have blisters. But we got here. Our strength is greater than Trump's threats." Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for fair treatment of the migrants. "We don't want them to face what (Mexicans) face when they need to look for work in the United States," he said on Twitter. The caravan left San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras more than a week ago. It has comprised between 3,000 and 5,000 people at various times as it moved through Guatemala, according to various sources. Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales said more than 5,000 migrants had entered Guatemala from Honduras, but that some 2,000 had since returned home on a fleet of government-chartered buses On Saturday, Mexican authorities opened the border for women and children on the overcrowded bridge, taking them to a shelter in Tapachula, about 40 kilometres from the border. Plenty of migrants, however, are sleeping in the streets for fear that immigration officials could arrest them if they are in a shelter. Rafting the river Around 900 migrants -- tired of waiting on the bridge -- resorted to crossing the Suchiate River below on makeshift rafts and police did not intervene as they clambered up the muddy riverbank on the Mexican side on Saturday. Morales and his Honduran counterpart Juan Orlando Hernandez said after meeting that the march was "violating the borders and the good faith of the states." The Honduran president acknowledged that social problems were a contributory factor. "Without a doubt, we have a lot to do so that our people can have opportunities in their communities," he said. The migrants are generally fleeing poverty and insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street gangs rule their turf with brutal violence. With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent countries in the world, according to a Honduran university study.

As migrant 'caravan' marches on towards US, Trump says he's cutting off aid to Central America