Plan for frozen billions

THE World Refugee Council has called for up to $20 billion stolen by government leaders and now frozen in the United States, Britain and other countries to be reallocated by courts to help millions of displaced people forced to flee conflict, persecution and victimisation.

The council also called for people responsible for the growing crisis of refugees and internally displaced people – including government leaders, military officers and opposition and rebel figures – to be held accountable, all the way to the International Criminal Court.

Chaired by former Canadian foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy, the 24-member council, which was formed in May 2017, includes former heads of state and ministers, and leading business, civil society and human rights officials.

The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes is 68.5 million, the highest since World War II.

Tanzania’s former president Jakaya Kikwete (pictured), a council co-chair, said “unscrupulous politicians” were using refugees to get votes “because when you tell your people they’re dangerous” they react, and the politicians become popular.