Security & Refugee Risks

The global stage is witnessing an extraordinary surge in refugees; a tide propelled by conflict, persecution, and economic adversity. These displaced individuals, driven by desperation and hope, seek refuge in foreign lands. As they arrive at the doorstep of host nations however a delicate balance needs to be struck between humanitarian compassion and national security.

The surge in refugee numbers creates unique challenges for security practitioners. While many refugees are fleeing conflict and persecution, the mass movement of peoples has historically provided tremendous opportunities for criminal elements and less scrupulous people to take advantage of the situation.

Western Governments; paralyzed by a naive "save the World" complex which has put empathy ahead of National Security are now struggling to cope with rampant crime, no-go zones, massive cultural unrest and a host of related issues.

This is why it is important to address the potential challenges mass movements of people can pose not just for national security, but also for private sector security programs which often end up having to manage those challenges head-on as they inevitably impact our streets.

This article delves into the multifaceted risks associated with the mass migration of refugees and offers some strategies for management of those risks.

1. Conflict Spillover

By definition refugees are driven by desperation; usually escaping regions scarred by conflict or civil war. Their arrival to host countries offers a beacon of hope, but it also sets in motion a delicate balance between the needs of the refugees and the needs of the local community.

As refugees settle into their new homes; some become activists using protests to raise awareness about their plight, others advocate for people's rights, and try to force Government action. Of course, the point of protesting is to garner attention and that is where things can start to get dicey.

Tactics often involve blocking roads, occupying public space, and staging sit-ins. These disruptions impact local citizens who may face inconvenience, delays, and are forced to alter their routines.

As tensions escalate, communities become less tolerant. Whether intentional or inadvertent, tactics can be viewed or interpreted as intimidating. This can strain relations between protesters and locals, pushing the fragile balance toward more intense altercations and even violence.

Security is often caught in the middle, trying to protect assets while controlling crowds and managing tenant expectations.

Background Screening

The complexity of properly screening individuals intensifies when the imperative to prioritize people's safety takes precedence over meticulous background checks. The heightened urgency of moving refugees often leads to incomplete screening procedures and restricted access to reliable databases, creating a scenario where individuals with criminal histories or affiliations can bypass the vetting process.

Consequently, these individuals can infiltrate communities and come into contact with private sector security personnel. Important to note; these criminals may introduce new tactics, scams, and possess underlying motivations that differ from those of local criminals. Security professionals need to be aware of these nuances to fully appreciate the risks involved and address these challenges with additional training and education.

For example, pick-pocketing across Canada and the US is commonly perceived as small time, petty crime. The crime is viewed quite differently in Europe, particularly among refugees.

In this context, pick-pocketing has evolved into a professional enterprise involving massive organized crime networks and even "trade" schools for aspiring thieves. This contrast emphasizes the need for security to be adaptable to the evolving trends and international variations newly arrived criminal elements can create.

3. Economic Strain

The burden of accommodating additional residents falls squarely on local economies. This strain often results in inefficiencies and the deterioration of existing infrastructure. As resources become scarce, social tensions escalate, with locals viewing refugees as competitors for limited resources, thereby exacerbating preexisting inequalities.

We see major cities grappling with this challenge now as newly arrived refugees face scrutiny for occupying shelter spaces originally intended for the local homeless population. Additionally, utilization of resources such as healthcare and food banks further diminishes the availability of these essential services for the local population. This dynamic underscores the strain placed on local resources and leaves security to deal with the resulting fallout such as more people living on the streets, seeking food and trying to survive.

4. Terrorism Threat

The potential for terrorist organizations to exploit refugee flows as a means to infiltrate countries poses a significant security concern. The anonymity provided by large displaced populations creates an opportune environment for planning and executing attacks. Vigilance and robust security measures are essential to mitigate the risk of terrorist activities associated with refugee movements.

The Paris attacks of November 2015 which highlighted the challenges faced by security in identifying threats within a refugee population provides a recent example of this risk.

During the attacks, a group of terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) carried out a series of coordinated assaults across Paris, resulting in the loss of 130 innocent lives. Investigations later revealed that at least two of the attackers had used the refugee crisis as a cover to enter Europe undetected.

5. Human Trafficking and Exploitation

The vulnerability of refugees, particularly women and children, to human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual exploitation is a deeply concerning reality. They often lack proper protection and are targeted by criminal networks seeking to exploit their desperation and dire circumstances.

Raising awareness about the potential risks and dangers refugees face is essential in preventing their victimization. Public education campaigns, both within host countries and refugee communities, can help individuals recognize the signs of exploitation. By fostering a culture of vigilance and empathy, we can create a supportive environment that actively protects and supports refugees.

6. Radicalization and Extremism

Displaced populations, due to their vulnerable status and isolation, are at an increased risk of being susceptible to radical ideologies and extremism. The disruption of their lives, loss of stability, and disconnection from familiar support networks can create an environment where radicalization can take hold.

Intervention strategies should involve early identification and intervention. This can be achieved through community-based initiatives, mental health support, and counseling services. Engaging religious leaders, community organizations, and social workers can play a critical role in identifying individuals who exhibit signs of radicalization and providing them with the necessary support and guidance.

It is important to approach this issue with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges faced by displaced populations. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization and providing comprehensive support, we can mitigate the risk and help create a more secure and inclusive environment for all.

What can Security do?

• Foster collaboration and data sharing with Government for up-to-date information, training and support.
• Leverage technology to identify and thwart attempts at using fraudulent documentation and unwanted activity. Video surveillance, access control and various analytics can deter, identify and manage unwanted activity.
• Strengthen intelligence sharing with law enforcement and public safety agencies to enhance visibility into potential risks.
• Encourage reporting of suspicious activities and seek insights into the underlying drivers and challenges. Suspicious activity should be reported to the local police while suspected terrorist activity should be reported to the RCMP. The RCMP's handbook on how to report suspected terrorist activity can be found here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/5763/original/d3d69adb2d0ed6ddd8a904f05caf84f8.pdf

• Collaborate closely with law enforcement to combat trafficking. Educate security personnel about vulnerable populations, raise awareness on human trafficking, and ensure the ability to recognize and report suspected cases.
• Enhance security measures in areas experiencing a high influx of refugee populations. Implement outreach strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of criminal activity.

In the current global landscape, an unprecedented surge in refugees, driven by conflicts, persecution, and economic hardships, has brought forth a complex challenge at the intersection of humanitarian compassion and national security.

Security practitioners face unique challenges in managing this surge, as criminal elements often exploit the situation. The dichotomy between humanitarian ideals and national security considerations is evident, with some Western governments grappling with the consequences of prioritizing empathy over security.

It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to strike the right balance and address the dynamic challenges presented by the influx of refugees into our cities. Giving security the skills and training to proactively manage these risks can be a key component of building that comprehensive strategy.