Dr Ritesh Shah argues that the global refugee crisis reflects a failed international system. He highlights that, despite a record 117.3 million people being forcibly displaced by conflict, violence, and climate disasters by the end of 2023, many countries are closing their borders and abandoning commitments made under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Dr Shah emphasizes that wealthier nations are increasingly offshoring asylum responsibilities to lower-income countries, which are already hosting the majority of displaced individuals. He calls for a reevaluation of global governance structures to ensure the right to free movement and protection for all displaced peoples. Read the expert opinion piece by Dr Ritesh Shah on Newsroom: Refugee crises a symptom of a failed global system – Newsroom