Refugee crisis in ASEAN: Challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation

Abstract

Background:  The refugee crisis in the Southeast Asian region is increasingly becoming a serious concern as increasing conflicts, natural disasters, and political instability force thousands of people to seek refuge across borders. This article examines the dynamics of the refugee crisis in ASEAN member states by highlighting key challenges, including the lack of a binding regional legal framework, limited shelter capacity, and differences in national policies in responding to refugees. On the other hand, this crisis also opens up opportunities for ASEAN to strengthen regional cooperation mechanisms based on humanitarian solidarity, burden sharing, and upholding human rights principles. Methods: This article uses a normative legal research method to examine the refugee crisis in the ASEAN region with a focus on the legal basis, international principles, and relevant policy instruments. Findings: The analysis shows significant challenges, such as the absence of a binding regional legal mechanism, differences in domestic policies, and tensions between state sovereignty and humanitarian. Conclusion: the crisis also opens up opportunities for ASEAN to strengthen regional cooperation through the development of common legal standards, increased coordination, and arrangements for the division of responsibilities in handling refugees. The study concludes that ASEAN has the potential to develop a more coordinated and responsive approach to the refugee crisis, while still considering the balance between national interests, regional solidarity, and commitment to protecting human rights. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the refugee crisis in ASEAN through a normative legal approach that specifically highlights the absence of a binding regional legal instrument. This study also offers a new perspective on the opportunities for the formation of common legal standards in ASEAN as a collective response to refugee protection.