International solidarity and the refugee crisis : a comparative study of Syria and Venezuela

Abstract

This paper seeks to compare international solidarity across different regions in relation to the refugee crisis. The concept of international solidarity in refugee crises, is rooted in the idea of responsibility or burden sharing. This paper examines the international community's response to the refugee influx, with a comparison between Venezuela and Syria. Despite both countries being the leading refugee producers, the global response has been both similar and distinct. This paper finds that the international community has been less responsive to the Venezuelan crisis, viewing it as a regional issue due to the unique causes behind it. In contrast, Syria has received more assistance despite the motive behind such aid, many states still show resistance. However, Venezuela has proven to have a regional system in place to address the crisis, which has proven successful. Syria on the other hand does not have any regional system to address the crisis, which intensifies the crisis.

While the situations in Venezuela and Syria differ, both highlight a lack of solidarity and indifference from the international community, with responses largely driven by geopolitical concerns. Consequently, this has led to insufficient funding, the closure of legal pathways, and resistance to refugee resettlement. Solidarity from states, through aid or resettlement, could alleviate the burden on neighboring countries. Without solidarity, the refugee crisis will remain unresolved.