If you agree, or disagree with this view, let us know. There are currently 20 million refugees in the world. Contrary to the 100 million migrants in the world, refugees move because they have to. However, there is a very fine line between migrants and refugees. It is therefore often very difficult to make a distinction between genuine refugees and other migrants who are seeking a better life elsewhere.
People become refugees because of political, economical or environmental reasons.
While conflicts and undemocratic procedures are still taking place within many nations, some people have to flee their home country and seek political asylum in order to avoid imprisonment, torture or death. Around nine hundred million of the poorest people on earth exist on less than a dollar day and often live in the most vulnerable areas. Many of them become economical refugees in order to avoid a life of misery in their own country. Rampant economic development and climate change are other reasons for migration. Chronic water shortage, famine, rising sea, are all environmental factors forcing people to seek refuge in a more secure place.