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Article by Mallaika Thapar | November 18, 2024 | Global Rights Defenders
The year 2024 has witnessed pivotal elections worldwide that shape not only domestic policies but also have profound implications for global issues like migration and refugee rights. As the political landscape shifts, the voice of refugees—those displaced by war, persecution, and conflict become increasingly significant. These voices are not just victims of a crisis; they are agents of change, advocating for self-reliance, justice, and inclusion. Elections are key moments when these voices can be amplified, especially when policymakers are given the power to influence refugee policy and international cooperation. As we reflect on the elections of 2024, it’s crucial to examine how the electoral process can impact refugees from different parts of the world.
UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
The U.S. presidential election held in November 2024 was perhaps one of the most consequential in terms of refugee policy. The country has long been a destination for many refugees, with policies oscillating between openness and restriction depending on the political leadership. The election result declared former President Donald Trump of the Republican Party returning to the White House amidst ongoing debates about immigration and the refugee crisis.[1]Trump's election marks a significant shift in U.S. refugee policy, as his administration's previous approach to immigration and asylum seekers was sharply more restrictive than that of his Democratic predecessors. During his first term, Trump implemented several policies to reduce the number of refugees admitted into the United States and the overall number of asylum seekers granted entry. [2] One of his key actions was reducing the annual refugee admissions cap, which was reduced to an historical low of 15,000 in 2021, down from 110,000 in the previous years of the Obama administration.[3]
In his second term, the challenge for President Trump will likely be how to navigate the refugee crisis in light of these past policies. His victory in 2024 could suggest a continuation of his "America First" approach to immigration, with a focus on securing the U.S. border and limiting refugee admissions.[4] However, the ongoing global refugee crisis, fueled by conflicts, climate change, and economic instability, will likely cause support for a more sustainable solution to these issues. While Trump has promised to prioritize U.S. citizens' interests, including their safety and economic well-being, his administration will also face significant international pressure to fulfill its humanitarian obligations as a global leader in refugee resettlement.
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS
Another key election in 2024 took place in the European Union (EU), where voters chose new representatives for the European Parliament. This election was especially crucial for refugees as the EU has been at the forefront of managing the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. The European People’s Party emerged as the largest single party winning 186 seats from the 720. However, the election results also indicated a significant increase in far-right parties, with no single bloc having an overall majority in the European Parliament.[5]
With the rise of right-wing and populist parties across Europe, migration policy was a key point of contention. Many of these parties advocated for tighter immigration controls and reduced refugee admissions, arguing that uncontrolled migration strains national resources, security, and social cohesion.[6] On the other hand, progressive parties and the political center pushed for more solidarity and cooperation among EU member states to better share the responsibility of resettling refugees, while also emphasizing human rights and humanitarian assistance.[7] The result indicates that EU's refugee policies are expected to remain a divisive issue, with the ongoing debate over burden-sharing, the treatment of refugees, and the effectiveness of the EU’s external borders likely influencing the direction of any future legislation. However, the European Commission has emphasized the need for a comprehensive and unified approach, balancing the protection of refugees.[8] The election outcomes are therefore likely to influence the EU's approach to the refugee crisis in the coming years, with debates on border control, humanitarian response, and migration management expected to intensify.
SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL ELECTION
Over the years, South Africa has become home to many refugees fleeing violence and instability in neighboring countries, such as Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. South Africa's 2024 national election also carried significant implications for refugees, particularly given the country’s role as a key destination for migrants in Africa.
A key component of the elections in the country was the discourse around refugees. Although the refugee crisis has long been a problem in South Africa, the conversation surrounding it, especially in the political context has grown increasingly divisive, often including xenophobia, limited access to work opportunities, and bureaucratic hurdles in securing asylum.[9] The outcome of the 2024 election held in May resulted in the ruling party African National Congress not winning a majority of the seats for the first time since the Apartheid’s end. Instead, it formed a coalition with the traditional opposition party, the Democratic Alliance.[10] This change will affect policies related to immigration and asylum procedures, as well as the social and economic integration of refugees. As South Africa grapples with its own economic and social challenges, it is to be observed how the election results will likely shape the way refugees are treated and integrated into society.
ENGAGING FOR CHANGE: 2025 ELECTIONS AND THE REFUGEE CRISIS
As we approach the elections of 2025, which are expected to address the growing refugee crisis, a series of national elections will take place in countries that are key players in the global refugee response. In countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the electoral outcomes will likely influence migration policies, refugee quotas, and international refugee conventions.
Policymakers and leaders must ensure that refugee welfare remains prioritized in political campaigns and policy-making. Public pressure, advocacy, and grassroots efforts can encourage political candidates to address the root causes of displacement, while also emphasizing the importance of refugees’ economic and social integration, since the upcoming elections will define the future of millions of displaced people.
Nandez, C. (2024). Latino America 21. photograph. Retrieved from https://latinoamerica21.com/en/super-election-year-migration-freedom-and-democracy/.
HOW YOU CAN #HELPFROMHOME
Engaging in advocacy, raising awareness, and participating in dialogues around refugee rights are essential tools for empowerment. While refugees are often excluded from the formal electoral process due to their displacement, there are several ways they can still be involved in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Advocate for Refugee Rights: Write to your local political representatives or join campaigns that call for better refugee policies, such as expanded resettlement programs, work opportunities, and access to education.
Support Refugee Integration Programs: Contribute to initiatives that provide language training, job placement services, or mentorship programs for refugees in your community.
Support Refugee-Led Initiatives: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are led by refugees, or those that prioritize refugee voices and needs.
As elections in 2024 and beyond shape the policies that impact refugees, there is an increasing need for solidarity and advocacy. Empowering refugees to be more than just recipients of aid, but active participants in the processes that shape their futures, is key to fostering lasting self-reliance and dignity. Advocating for greater refugee self-reliance, such as access to education, legal work, and healthcare, can help refugees become more independent, contributing positively to both their host countries and their countries of origin when they are able to return. By staying informed and involved, we can all play a part in making the world a more just and inclusive place for those who need it most.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] Clarke, G. B. and J. (2024, November 7). When does Trump become US president?. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cde7ng85jwgo
[2] Bolter, J., Israel, E., & Pierce, S. (2022). Four Years of Profound Change: Immigration Policy during the Trump Presidency. Migration Policy Institute. https://doi.org/https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/four-years-change-immigration-trump
[3] Ibid. pp. 74.
[4] Awan, Engr. Z. A. (2024, November 7). US presidential elections and implications. Modern Diplomacy. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/11/07/us-presidential-elections-and-implications/
[5] Feingold, S., & Torkington, S. (2024, June 14). EU elections 2024: Who won and lost – and what happens next?. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/european-parliament-elections-eu-brussels-2024/
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] European Commission . (2024, May 21). Pact on migration and asylum. European Commission . https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en
[9] South Africa: Toxic rhetoric endangers migrants. Human Rights Watch. (2024, May 6). https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/06/south-africa-toxic-rhetoric-endangers-migrants
[10] Schiavenza, M., & Samber, S. (2024, September 12). Deep Dive: Migration and global elections in 2024. HIAS. https://hias.org/news/deep-dive-migration-and-global-elections-2024/
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