A San Francisco real estate mogul has proposed a radical way to resolve the worldwide refugee crisis: giving them a nation of their own.
Crafting a state for the near-60 million global refugees is currently just a concept, with many logistical questions left unanswered, but California-based Israeli tycoon Jason Buzi is seriously pushing awareness for Refuge Nation.
As an actual country with an actual government, Refugee Nation would provide jobs, promote social awareness and follow a political infrastructure. But as all the nitty gritty details have not yet been specifically laid out, at present, it's like "meeting a girl on a first date. I'm not thinking yet about what to name my children, right?" Buzi said in an interview with The Washington Post.
Buzi does, however, have a vision, and suggests that the land for Refugee Nation could come about in a number of different ways. A country with a low population could carve off some land at a cost or welcome the refugees and provide them with new homes. An archipelago country like the Philippines or Indonesia could sell an unpopulated island, as an alternative option. Or, more outlandishly, an entirely new island could be built in international waters.
The Refugee Nation website quotes UN High Commission for Refugees Antonio Guterres: "People think that humanitarians can clean up the mess. It's no longer possible. We have no capacities to pick up the pieces."
Buzi said it almost shocks him that no one is talking about a solution along his line of thinking. He stressed that there are stateless individuals all over the world, and that giving these individuals their own place to dwell would provide them with safety and a chance to live – and work – just like everyone else.
Instead of promoting a culture of benefits, Buzi wants to establish the culture on a strong work ethic, with training and jobs available to all. He has already invested up to $15,000 of his own money to get the ball rolling with a team and website, promoting awareness of the worldwide crisis and his radical solution.
Buzi is therefore seeking help from billionaires, the U.N., the U.S. and everyone else who can help to finance and support the cause to provide refugees with a nation of their own. Of course, Buzi's proposal has received both praise and criticism. All the same, he and his team are pushing for this bold idea to become a reality.
