Regionalism as a Solution to Refugee Protection in ASEAN

Abstract

The problem of refugees has become a global phenomenon that brings widespread impacts to all involving parties. The humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya ethnic group increased the number of refugees in ASEAN who needs international protection. However, legal and political framework governing refugee protection in ASEAN is still very insignificant. This research is to answer whether regionalism is successful in resolving the problem of refugees in international level and whether a regionalism approach can be applied in ASEAN level to deal with refugees. This study used normative juridical research methods with literature study techniques. Based on the results, the study revealed that regionalism has successfully solved the problem of refugees. However, the development of regionalism needs to be improved to deal with mass-influx problems. Regionalism has succeeded in encouraging world regions such as Europe, Africa, and Latin America to form various binding regional mechanisms (CEAS, OAU Convention, and Cartagena Declaration). Compared to the universal approach, regionalism is a better option because of its flexible nature. It also provides choices to member states in handling refugee protection activities. Based on the comparison of regionalism practices from the three regions, the regionalism approach in ASEAN has a great potential to solve refugee problems more effectively.