Summary: In this lesson, students review the causes for refugee crises originating in six countries: Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine. Then, through general class or collaborative group discussion, students consider which of the six should receive the most attention and aid from the United States and why. Next, students distinguish between “refugees” and “climate migrants” and the struggle for the latter to receive asylum protection by the United Nations. Finally, in groups or pairs, students draft and defend a response to the question, Should the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees protect people displaced because of climate change?
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.15.b: Analyze the impact of United States support for the policies and actions of the United Nations (i.e., Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations Sustainability Goals) and other international organizations.
- 6.1.12.GeoHE.16.a: Explain why natural resources (i.e., fossil fuels, food, and water) continue to be a source of conflict and analyze how the United States and other nations have addressed issues concerning the distribution and sustainability of natural resources and climate change.
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.16.b: Determine past and present factors that led to the widening of the gap between the rich and poor, and evaluate how this has affected individuals and society.
Link to Lesson: The Global Refugee Crisis -Bill of Rights in Action (37_3) Spring_Summer 2022 (crf-usa.org)