SMART CITY FOR REFUGEES - EMPOWERED BY GLOBAL PARTICIPATION

The current humanitarian crisis is severe - with a reported 65 million people living in forced displacement—the majority of whom are generated by just a few conflicts in the following areas: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Nigeria, Colombia, the Caucasus and the former Yugoslavia. Of these 3.6 million children are without education. Each Refugee remains a refugee for average 17 years. Most nations and their nationals do not wish to take on the burden of looking after refugees from foreign nations. However, with the current trends, no human being is immune from becoming a REFUGEE.

We are all stakeholders in this international system. Our futures are bound with the fate of other human beings in other parts of the world. The problems are monumental and are located in various corners of the world. The world leaders and global institutions, like UN and World Bank, on their own cannot handle, successfully, the herculean tasks. They need the support and collaboration of the governments, political groups, religious groups, the private sector, civil societies and the global citizens. The responsibility is collective and so must be the actions.

THE REFUGEES

Refugees would much rather prefer to be in their own homes in their own nations and get on with life as normal without being a burden on anyone or any nation. They had to flee to other areas and nations, overnight, with no possessions purely and simply for their safety and that of their families. These refugees were once well-off and respected individuals enjoying a comfortable life in their own home in their own nations. We have to open our hearts and do more to help refugees to go home. This is not at all difficult if we all join hands together.

Programme for Refugees Smart City

A custom-built clean, eco-friendly city from scratch for the refugees, utilising the skills, labour and abilities of the refugees. These cities will be permanent abodes for the refugees with title deeds to testify to ownership of the properties and businesses. Low cost housing, low wages and low cost of foods will need to be organised. These cities are to be located in the safe zones of their nations of origin.

The Proposal

(1) Each city should be built in a safe zone, supported by UN, the World Bank and the Government of the nation in which the city is located with support from UNHCR, and IOM.

(2) The Team from our Group (The Global Citizens Group for Global Peace) will be fully involved in the project. Anyone, from anywhere in the world, who is interested in joining the Team is most welcome.

(3) Each city will be about 10 Sq kilometres, near a lake, sea or water source.

(4) There will be strictly use of renewable energy only i.e solar energy, wind power, biogas and hydropower in the city and minimal use of fossil fuels, if any.

(5) There will be a well-established modern system of Broadband and fibre optic system for usage in the city.

(6) Education: Students will receive on-line education in their own homes until a well organised infrastructure is established.

(a) Each 5-12 years age student will be provided a computer and will receive on-line education based on the curriculum for primary school. 

(b) Each 12-16 years age student will receive on-line education based on the curriculum for secondary school. 

© Each 16 years and over student will receive on-line education based on the curriculum of a polytechnic or a vocational training centre. 

(7) Health: There will be a Medical Clinic set up for every 5,000 individual residents of the city and a Hospital for every 50,000 individuals. 

(8) Housing: Low-cost housing will be built and available on rent-purchase scheme.

(9) A City Council comprised of just 10 members will run the administration of the city and be accountable to the UN, World Bank, the respective national Government and the Global Citizens Team.

(10) Cost of food, electricity, water and other services will be kept at the lowest possible level.

(11) Jobs: Wages will need to be at the lowest possible level enough for basic sustenance.

Small Enterprises: Micro-finance systems will help with funding.

(12) Freedom of the practice of Religion will be allowed and each group will be free to set up their place of worship.

(13) The setting up of industries through private-public finance initiative, FDI and the World Bank will create jobs.

(14) Web Portals will be used for applications for registrations, licences and other matters to do with the City Council.

(15) Digital Financial Services (DFS). There will be a banking system using the mobile phone for transactions.

(16) Several Vocational training centres for training in various fields including imparting basic computer skills, money management and capacity building will be set up.

(17) Agricultural plots will be available on rent-purchase scheme. Farmers will be provided seeds and animals.

(18) Low-cost shops will be available on rent-purchase scheme.

(19) Large Bread-making machines (45 Tonnes of Bread every 24 hours) will be installed at several vantage points.

(20) A large contingent of volunteers from all over the world will be stationed in the city to provide their know-how and labour, with goodwill and sincerity.

(21) Counselling Centres for those needing post-traumatic disorder or bereavement counselling will be set up.

(22) Transportation: Only Buses and 3 wheeler scooters using electrical power.

(23) Electricity: National grid to provide electricity for vehicles charging stations.

(24) Discrimination and Corruption will not be tolerated.

(25) Security Personnel will help to ensure safety, security, law and order.

(26) An Arbitration and Mediation Panel will be set up for disputes resolution.

(27) A website will be set up of the city project.

(28) Marketing and Advertising will be carried out.

(29) Registration and induction will be arranged for the prospective residents of the city. This will cover training in use of computers, smart phones and the use of the internet.

(30) Only former nationals of the country will be entitled to settle in the new city.

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