From poverty to power - Oxfam-Québec

FROM POVERTY TO POWERREFUGEESPeople crossing borders to flee violence and persecution are protectedunder international law, and have a right to asylum. Including the 4.3million Palestinian refugees under UN auspices,there are over 13 millionrefugees in the world today, the vast majority from developing countries.Developing countries provide asylum to over two-thirds of them. 200Only 336,000 people claimed asylum in 50 industrialised countries in2005, half as many as in 2001. 201Those seeking refuge often face a phalanx of border controls andinterception methods, which can push them further into danger andabuse. If they manage to reach a territory and make their asylumclaim, they frequently find a culture of hostility and disbelief, andoften face destitution, detention, deportation, and denial of due legalprocess. Europe’s air, sea, and land interception and border controls,for example, make no allowances for people who may be fleeing conflictand persecution.As ministers and civil servants admit, these are ‘bluntinstruments’ that are blocking many people who have legitimateprotection claims. 202There is a clear case for enhanced global governance in the fieldof humanitarian relief and conflict. International mechanisms andinstitutions are needed to ensure that costs are shared equitably andthat all parties are treated fairly. These mechanisms are likely toinclude strengthened roles for the UN and ICC systems.THE ARMS TRADEConflict would not be so prevalent or so deadly without the openglobal trade in weapons. In November 2001 around Kisangani, thescene of intense fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congothat involved many civilian deaths, Amnesty International foundammunition cartridges for North Korean, Chinese, and Russian heavymachine-guns, Russian revolvers, South African assault rifles, Chineseanti-aircraft weapons, and Russian, Bulgarian, and Slovak automaticgrenade launchers. At the time, the DRC was subject to EU and UNarms embargoes, which should have prevented the sale of all ofthese weapons. 203398