Social and Economic Impact of Large Refugee Populations on Host Developing Countries V

by: Teo Pei Woon

“Social and economic impact of large refugee population on host developing countries” is an article published by the United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR),  dated 6^th of January 1997. The article is believed to be a fruitful conclusion and suggestion from meeting of the Executive Committee Of  The High Commissioner's Programme that brings response to severe impact of migration of refugees to the hosting areas. This article mainly discusses the impact of high refugee populations on social, economic and political life of host countries. The author also emphasizes the importance of international community in assisting to deal with flow of refugees to mitigate the impact generated by the presence of refugees.

            The general purpose of this article is to inform the target readers how the  mass inward movement of refugees can bring positive and negative impacts to a country  from aspects of social, economic and politics if no proper and effective measures are conducted . However, the writer states that the positive effects on the host society are hardly compensate for the negative consequences of such large concentrations of refugees.

            The writer also tries to convey the message about the facts of presence of refugees creates great impact and burden to local administration as the host government need to allocate large amount of money for giving asylum for refugees accommodation . The host country authorities divert resources and manpower from the insufficient demands of their own development to provide the refugees with considerable humanitarian aid . Moreover, a low income country has no adequate fund for programme organized to alleviate their sufferings. Some host countries expect that the international community will help compensate for the costs incurrred in handling the influx of refugees. It is observed that the author's intention is to highlight the obligation of international community and other concerned authorities in assisting accommodate refugees and bring this matter to their attention.

            Moving on to the language aspect of this article, the author uses simple and easily understandable language throughout the whole article. The writer has good vocabulary as well as good command of English. The writing style of the author is expressive and straightforward. For example, in paragraph 4, states that ' While most host governments generally have demonstrated a willingness to bear many of these costs, they are understandably reluctant to pay, as a price for giving asylum, the cost of additional infrastructure that may be needed to accommodate refugees. The tone and choice of words used by the writer indicated professionalism, with no biasness in terms of language style. No sounds of sarcasm are used throughout this article as it has been delivered honestly without using provoking words. The method of delivering points could be said neutral without playing of emotions on the readers.

         

           The article is expressed with proper rhetorical function to provide insight for comprehension of texts. The author uses exemplification with supportive and ample examples to illustrate a general statement. For example, 'A World Bank-sponsored study of uncompensated public expenditures arising from the refugee presence in Malawi recommended an emergency assistance programme in 1990-1991 of up to $25 million.' shown in paragraph 5. The reader can have a better understanding about the costs invested in refugee from the host governments according to credible and systematic analysis.

     

           Overall, looking at the points presented, this article proved to be well-written as it reached the objective of spreading informations on the risks of mass populations of refugees to host country and international society if no appropriate and practical actions taken. The article is able to put readers back into perspective and raise the awareness among them to the issues of how refugees impact us. The author had successfully delivered the points with well-constructed sentences that making clear stance of the author.