One side effect of genocide which has been overlooked during much of the debate is the impact of genocide on the living members of a persecuted group. For many people the best alternative available to them is to flee to another country. upsetting the peace between nations. The suffering which these refugees experience is often beyond belief. They may live for months or years in a foreign territory whose economy is unable to accommodate them. Often. they suffer from malnutrition. Adequate housing may not be available. The fear and despair which they face can be unbearable. At the present time. many refugees are now suffering from this side effect of genocide. In Bangladesh. the repatriation of the homeless and hungry people is possible only because of a great spirit of unity among the people. Yet their pain has been and continues to be severe. During the 17year war in Sudan. nearly 200.000 refugees fled the country and still face much misery before they are repatriated. Many citizens of Burundi are now fleeing their country as the killing continues. The crime of genocide is creating international havoc and immense suffering. I urge ratification of the genocide treaty not only to declare our opposition to the crime of genocide. but also to give these refugees the hope that they need if they are to rebuild their broken lives. And we cannot forget the many people who will become refugees if genocide is allowed to occur in the future.
Keywords matched
refugees