Refugee Crisis and Unemployment: Origins and Impacts

Refugee Movements

Introduction

This study analyzes refugee movements, focusing on their origins and development. We will examine both the causes and effects of these significant events.

Origins of Refugee Movements

In 2011, Syrian citizens were compelled to protest publicly due to their suffering under the dictatorship of Al-Assad. In response, the president mobilized secret police, the army, and paramilitary units to terrorize the population.

Despite increasing repression and attacks against civilians, the Damascus regime was losing ground, nearly losing Aleppo, Syria’s second most important city, and its political stability. Al-Assad received aid from Iran in the form of financial resources, armaments, military advisors, and elite combat units. Later, Hezbollah and Turkey also entered the conflict.

Four main groups of fighters emerged in Syria: Syrians loyal to the Al-Assad regime, Syrian rebels opposing the regime, Kurdish forces, and international military units.

Effects of the Civil War

Social Impact: Of the nearly 21 million people living in Syria at the start of the civil war, approximately 11 million have been forced to leave their homes. They sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, and Germany. The conflict has resulted in around half a million deaths, including both civilians and rebels. Refugee camps were established in neighboring countries to accommodate the massive influx of displaced people.

Economic Impact: Jordan and Lebanon faced resource shortages and were reluctant to invest in aiding refugees.

Conclusion

This study highlights the primary causes of refugee movements and their social and economic effects. However, it is important to note that this is not the sole cause.

Unemployment

Introduction

This study analyzes unemployment, its origins, and development. We will examine the economic crisis and structural imbalances, as well as their effects on the Spanish economy.

Origins of Unemployment

The 2008 economic crisis, triggered by factors such as the real estate bubble and bank credit issues, led to a significant increase in unemployment.

The high unemployment rates in Spain following the crisis were influenced by pre-crisis imbalances, the crisis itself, the 2012 labor reform, and the dominance of the tertiary service sector.

Pre-Crisis Imbalances: The real estate boom and subsequent collapse of the construction sector resulted in a massive increase in unemployment, leading to higher unemployment benefits and public spending, while contributions decreased. This created a large public deficit.

Labor Reform: The 2012 labor reform in Spain granted more power to companies, increasing temporary contracts and reducing dismissal costs. This, combined with the importance of the service sector, led to very short-term contracts, some lasting only a day.

Effects of Unemployment

Spanish Economy: The decline in the construction sector increased the public deficit due to higher unemployment benefits and reduced contributions. The bank bailout further destabilized the national economy and welfare system.

Society: Many families were forced to emigrate to find work and pay debts, leading to a loss of intellectual capital. National poverty levels rose significantly, reducing purchasing power.

Companies: The labor reform allowed companies to reduce dismissal costs and increase temporary contracts.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the causes of high unemployment in Spain, including the 2012 labor reform and the effects of the economic crisis, which is identified as the main cause of high unemployment.