The report from the charity Oxfam, says developed nations have a long way to go if they are to meet the organization's guidelines for refugee assistance.
According to Oxfam statistics, 10 percent of all of the people displaced by the Syrian conflict should be given a safe haven in wealthy western countries.
Rich countries have resettled just 1.39% of #Syria's #refugees, must step up efforts now: https://t.co/cQ7Kw7SzyG pic.twitter.com/RQsr3rJepw
— Oxfam Middle East (@OxfamMiddleEast) 29 March 2016
The report states that 28 of the world's richest countries — which include those in Europe, North America and Asia — have pledged to take in 129,966 refugees between them, less than a third of what Oxfam considers to be a "fair share."
Meanwhile, of these pledges, only 67,000 people have been resettled to date, according to the report.
Only 3 countries have pledged to resettle #SyrianRefugees over their #fairshare:
— Oxfam International (@Oxfam) 29 March 2016
— Canada
— Germany
— Norway pic.twitter.com/K90tiaHEfN
The analysis states that just three of the 28 countries — Canada, Germany and Norway — have pledged to resettle their "fair share" of refugees, with the amount calculated according to the size of the countries' respective economies.
Calls for Increase in Refugee Resettlement
The report comes amid a call from campaigners for wealthy nations to accept more people from the war-torn Middle East, with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimating that close to half a million people are very vulnerable and in need of urgent resettlement.
"It's shocking that while people continue to flee Syria most countries have failed to provide a safe home for the most vulnerable, Mark Goldring, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB said.
While countries such as Britain have offered substantial financial resources to refugee camps in the region, Goldring says this is still not sufficient in addressing the crisis.
Resettling 10% of Syrian Refugees: The commitment needed at the Geneva conference https://t.co/xfVWtPcW5N New report pic.twitter.com/RH8wNISWaS
— Oxfam International (@Oxfam) 29 March 2016
"While the British government has been generous in providing financial aid, it's only offered to resettle 20,000 people by 2020, approximately 5,000 people a year. This is simply not good enough and Britain can and should do more."
Many of Syria's refugees are living in refugee camps in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. In Lebanon, one-fifth of the national population is made up of Syrian refugees, while Jordan's fourth largest 'city' is a refugee camp.
"Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey are struggling to cope with almost five million Syrian refugees. Rich nations should be doing more to share the responsibility and offer refuge to some of the most vulnerable women and children affected by this crisis," Goldring added.
Debate Over Immigration Continues
However, many critics have hit back at claims that western nations should accept larger numbers of refugees, pointing the ongoing migration crisis that is placing a strain on many EU countries, and threatening the continued existence of the passport-free Schengen travel zone.
Critics say more pressure should also be placed on other wealthy Middle Eastern nations to accept more refugees from the Syrian conflict.
Which rich countries have resettled more than their #fairshare of #SyrianRefugees? See here: https://t.co/xfVWtPcW5N pic.twitter.com/kAJaNhcGO0
— Oxfam International (@Oxfam) 29 March 2016
With the number of refugees and migrants entering Germany surpassing one million in 2015, there has been increased support for political groups with a tough line on immigration, with groups like the Front National in France and AfD in Germany witnessing an increase in public support.
The Oxfam report follows the recent Turkey-EU refugee deal, and comes amid a high level UN meeting planned for Wednesday, where officials will discuss the migration crisis.
