Refugee Crisis In Europe: Choose Engagement Over Isolation, Says Mercy Corps

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"While the refugee crisis poses an immense challenge for Europe, it is imperative that our policies are not driven by fear or ignorance, which can lead communities and politicians to focus on keeping refugees out or marginalizing them," says Simon O'Connell, Executive Director, Mercy Corps Europe.

From 21 focus-group discussions with more than 100 refugees, Mercy Corps found that young people seeking safety in Europe are hopeful, positive and eager to contribute to their future host countries – and equally determined that they will not stay in war-torn countries or impoverished refugee camps.

Based on deep experience working with youth in Syria and around the world, Mercy Corps makes a series of recommendations, including:

"With recent military developments in Syria likely to precipitate further movement of people, we must do more to help the millions of people who have been displaced," says O'Connell.

Read or download the Mercy Corps report "Behind Them, a Homeland in Ruins."

Mercy Corps is a global organization, 4,000 strong, living and working in more than 40 countries facing the world's toughest challenges and powered by the belief that a better world is possible.  www.mercycorps.org.

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