A million refugees arrived in Europe this year, says Alexander Betts, and "our response, frankly, has been pathetic." Betts studies forced migration, the impossible choice for families between the camps, urban poverty and dangerous illegal journeys to safety. In this insightful talk, he offers four ways to change the way we treat refugees, so they can make an immediate contribution to their new homes. "There's nothing inevitable about refugees being a cost," Betts says. "They're human beings with skills, talents, aspirations, with the ability to make contributions -- if we let them."

Alexander Betts: Our refugee system is failing. Here's how we can fix it

Our refugee system is failing. Here's how we can fix it

Innovative solutions like humanitarian visas and economic zones offer practical ways to integrate refugees into new communities.

Europe's refugee policy: shamefully inadequate, fails to leverage the economic and innovative potential inherent in refugee populations.

Uganda's unique approach empowers refugees with work rights and movement, sparking significant economic contributions to local communities.