The International Center for Refugees and Migration Studies (ICRMS) hosted a public lecture titled Racialized Borders—Intersecting Colonial Histories and Contemporary Refugee Realities, led by Dr. Uzair Hashmi, Head of the Department of Government and Public Policy at NUST. The lecture provided a critical analysis of the historical and contemporary factors shaping refugee realities in Pakistan, particularly those linked to the enduring legacies of colonialism. It explored the racialized policies of the British colonial era and their influence on present-day social hierarchies and refugee crises, including the plight of Palestinian refugees as a colonial outcome. This historical overview underscored the deep-seated inequalities embedded in modern refugee challenges.
A significant portion of the lecture was devoted to contemporary refugee challenges, with a special focus on vulnerable groups. Key issues discussed included gender-based inequalities, limited access to education, and systemic barriers in healthcare and the labor market. For instance, Afghan refugee children face significant barriers to education, with only 5% transitioning to secondary schooling. Proposed solutions included women-led support centers in refugee settlements, multilingual community programs, scholarships, and conditional cash transfers to improve education access. Dr. Hashmi emphasized the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and inclusive planning, recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on refugee populations, particularly women.
Social stigmas and marginalization emerged as a critical theme, with refugees often targeted by negative stereotypes amplified by social media. The lecture highlighted the importance of public campaigns to combat hate speech and promote intercultural understanding. Labor market challenges, such as systemic barriers and skill gaps, were also discussed, with suggestions to implement skill-training programs linked to local market needs and self-sustaining opportunities.
Global refugee trends and successful models of refugee integration were analyzed. Examples included Turkey’s early healthcare and education policies under temporary protection laws, Germany’s integration programs focused on language and job placement, and the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. These examples highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges, such as overburdened public services and cultural integration difficulties.
The session concluded with a call to action for multisectoral inclusivity and global responsibility. Dr. Hashmi advocated for public-private partnerships, the engagement of civil society organizations, and inclusive governance to build social cohesion. A key message was the need to reframe refugees not as burdens but as contributors, emphasizing internal consensus for a cohesive national refugee strategy.
