News Archive

Doctor of Juridical Science candidate Perfecto Caparas, LL.M. ’05, stressed the need to combat xenophobia, racism and discrimination against refugees by mainstreaming human rights advocacy and discourse during the commemoration of World Refugee Day at the Indiana Interchurch Center on June 20.

“We should collaborate and work with refugees as partners in advocating for their human rights,” Caparas said.

Citing Burmese refugees in Indiana and Hmong refugees from Vietnam in Minnesota, Caparas said that combating racism, xenophobia, and discrimination requires highlighting their positive contributions to society.

“Refugees need to be seen as socioeconomic assets who contribute to the development of shifting social demographics,” he said. “State and non-state actors, including international financial institutions, like the World Bank, and NGOs need to collaborate and partner with refugees in advocating for their economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.”

Caparas underscored the importance of international cooperation to address the multidimensional needs of refugees, involving countries of origin, destination, and relocation. He cited the disproportionate number of refugees admitted by a limited number of countries, like Sweden, Germany and Austria and the shutting down by others of their borders. Humanitarian efforts need to be integrated with developmental initiatives to promote self-reliance among refugees, he added.

Caparas is the Associate Director of Graduate Programs at IU McKinney.