If we lived in a just world, all nations would protect their citizens' human rights. But that's not our world. Refugees are just one result of injustice. Crucially, they didn't cause their plight; rather, they are victims of profound injustice. Because their home nation cannot or will not protect even their basic human rights, they must migrate in search of protection. They are entitled to this protection, as all of us are, simply by virtue of being human.
PATTI TAMARA LENARD, "Who should pay for the refugees? Here are five possible answers."
Washington Post, February 8, 2016