The Global Refugee Crisis: Fleeing Conflict and Violence is a timely account of the worldwide refugee crisis that is so much in the news, not only in the United States but throughout Europe. According to a 2015 United Nations report, more than 1 million people fled violence and persecution, and the numbers have continued to increase since then. Of these millions of refugees, more than half are children. Thousands of refugees have died along the way, and thousands are being held in detention centers or housed in refugee camps around the world. The effects of wars, such as the Syrian civil war and the conflicts in Nigeria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and the Central African Republic are an obvious catalyst for the exodus of people into Europe and North America. Other often overlooked circumstances are discussed, as such as climate change, drought and famine, political persecution, and overcrowding.

This book examines how nations are addressing the crises, how refugees contribute to and strain communities, and what kinds of solutions could help resolve this crisis. Additionally, there is historical perspective, going back the waves of refugees during World Wars I and II. Included are interviews with refugees and relief organizations, color photos, inserts, source notes, a glossary, index, and resource lists of books, films, and websites.