Social inclusion of refugees is more than granting access to a university: a brief message to academic leaders in host countries

Abstract

The high number of displaced people in the world has led to many challenges for refugees,including the interruption of their academic careers. This, coupled with anti-refugee rhetoricand strict immigration and integration policies in host countries, has exacerbated theexclusion of refugees from academia. Higher education institutions have specialresponsibilities to realise the social inclusion of minorities, including refugees. While theentire academic community can play a role, the onus is primarily on academic leaders suchas chancellors, rectors, deans, and heads of departments, and their deputies to create agenuinely inclusive academic environment. These keyfigures should at least realise thatgranting access is only one step in realising the social inclusion of refugees into highereducation. In this commentary, I highlight some actions academic leaders can take tofacilitate the social inclusion of refugees into academia.