SOLLIMS Sampler Special Edition | Page 21

Recommendation .
In order to contribute to a solution for the Syrian refugee crisis , the international community should :
1 . Urgently prioritize the resettling of non-Syrian refugees from prior conflicts in the Middle East who have already been vetted and who are awaiting placement . This will reduce the burden on neighboring countries as Syrian refugees continue to pour into the surrounding communities . This will also ensure that prior refugees from protracted displacement are not forgotten as the Syrian crisis takes center stage .
2 . Increase quotas for Syrian refugee resettlement and integration into new host nations while maintaining appropriate security vetting procedures . Utilize strategic messaging with national constituencies to decrease xenophobia and anti-refugee sentiment and rhetoric , educating the public about vetting processes to decrease security concerns .
3 . Support neighboring countries in the region with money and resources so that they will have the capacity both to continue to host Syrian refugees and to provide services to their own people with less strain to their economy and to their social delivery services .
4 . Promptly fulfill pledges made for financial and other support at the 2016 London conference so that 3RP can continue to deliver urgent regional services . Advocate / encourage host nations not to isolate refugees or restrict their access to employment or education .
Implications .
If non-Syrian refugees are not expedited for resettlement , they may become lost in the overwhelming sea of the refugee crisis and not receive the care that they need ; if they stay in a protracted refugee situation , it is likely that they would continue to exist with few opportunities ; if they are resettled quickly , however , they will be able to build a new life for themselves elsewhere while the region will be less strained in order to continue to host Syrian refugees .
If potential host nation constituencies are able to understand the potential value of refugees as well as the dire situation of their plight through strategic messaging , they may be more willing to host them in their countries . If refugees are resettled and integrated into welcoming communities , the risk of radicalization will lessen . If western nations increase their quotas for refugee resettlement , this may counteract the narrative IS and other violent extremist groups use to say that the West does not care about the Middle East ; furthermore , with increased refugee resettlement , other nations will have more political clout to advocate for solutions in the region .
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