Reading a thought provoking short book titled The Global Shelter Imaginary: Ikea Humanitarianism and Rightless Relief.
It argues (and argues well) that we have adopted a sentimental approach to our humanitarianism - where the moral economy mobilises our compassion, rather than justice.
The consequence is that complex issues (such as displacement of people) is reduced to simplistic solutions (such as better quality accommodation), which is then paraded as an act of rescue.
In doing so, the ethic of compassion is directed towards privatised-public and market driven models of success (sound familiar #socialentrepreneurship family?!).
We marvel at the number of housing units distributed and efficiency of those processes, ignoring that the fundamental, deeply complex issues for displaced people, remain unaddressed.
And that the international conventions promise return or resettlement.
With refugees in better quality, but still temporary shelter, these conventions are neatly side-stepped. Which we see in the 20-year+ lifespan of refugee camps.
ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
1moRefugees are often hosted in the most climate-vulnerable areas where they are highly exposed to climate hazards like floods, drought, storms and heatwaves.