Essay On Juvenile Incarceration

River Wittke (THINK Global School)

Country: Turkey

Committee: UNICEF

Topic: Juvenile Incarceration

What is the problem?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, in order to remedy the situation of 1 million refugees displaced by World War Two. Initially, it was presumed that the assembly would be active for three years, then disband as the refugee crisis was “resolved”. However, the UNHCR remains active today, an ode to the ceaseless trials of refugees and internally displaced people (IDP’s).

According to the UNHCR, there are about 30 million displaced people in the world, and 20 million refugees; 80% of these figures are comprised of women and children. The reasons for relocation are as varied as they are broad- political instability, natural disasters, unnatural catastrophes, a weak economy, and discrimination are all of predominant significance.

The displacement of children, in particular, can create cataclysmic repercussions on a global scale. Adolescents who are forced from their homes are more vulnerable to both physical and mental dangers unparalleled in stable countries. As reported by the UNHCR, refugee children are more likely to be coerced into prostitution or child military. They are inclined to malnutrition and mental disorders due to the mental and physical hardships they have suffered.

How does the topic effect Turkey?

Prior to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Turkey had few provisions in place that addressed the needs of refugees and IDP’s. However, since the beginning of the crisis Turkey has received almost 800,000 refugees, representing nearly one-fourth of all who have fled Syria. Turkey has been exceedingly benevolent with the current situation; An open-door ...

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...figure, the amount granted doesn’t begin to cover the costs of hosting such a large number of refugees. Without increased aid, countries will be wary or unable to admit displaced people.

Additionally, Turkey believes that psychological help should be key in the assistance of refugees and IDP’s, especially those which are children. Turkey also believes that greater access to education should be prioritized, as countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan are about to experience an entire generation of uneducated immigrants. However, a show of solidarity is needed from the international community in order for these countries to continue dealing with these hardships. Long-term strategies will need to be discussed, as it has become apparent that those fleeing Syria and Sudan- the dominant creators of refugees- will not be able to return anytime in the foreseeable future.