Pandemic can accelerate the intensifying of the refugee problem in the world

Stating that immigration expectations in the buffer zones around the world are behind the agenda due to the process of struggling with the coronavirus (COVID-19), which continues to shake countries deeply, Political Science and International Relations Specialist Elif Şahin said: “It seems that the abstaining behavior of health and social services to be provided to camps and quarantine centers where migrants are sent around the world will accelerate the intensifying of the humanitarian crisis and refugee problem.”

Noting the possible effects of the global coronavirus epidemic on the migrant crisis, Political Science and International Relations Specialist Elif Şahin from Istanbul Gelisim University stated: “Lack of priority in providing health services to migrants at border crossings around the world after being sent to camp and quarantine centers can strongly reinforce the perception of 'marginalization' of refugees and migrants. This situation makes it possible to spread the fear and anxiety towards migrants and refugees within the host country.”

Şahin said: “With the consolidation of the marginalization and differentiation approach, the problem of "immigration integration" seems to deepen in the long term without a permanent solution. As a result of discrimination and immigrants' social adaptation-integration problems, it is possible that the "multiculturalism" policies will be put aside and the discussion of new formations will be on the agenda.”

“HATE SPEECH AND ALIENATION MAY GET STRONGER”

Stating that 'hate speech and alienation' attitudes towards migrants in the world may get stronger after the pandemic, Elif Şahin spoke: “It seems likely that practices that may evoke 'exclusion and marginalization' on the insufficiency of health and social services to combat COVID-19 increase the problem of non-compliance and deepen the humanitarian crisis by reinforcing prejudice and stereotypes against immigrants waiting at border crossings.”