Why a refugee Olympics team is good advert for compassion

News coming from International Olympic Committee (IOC) is that there will be a refugee team in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This announcement must be music in the ears of those talented refugees who cut the grade. With migration fairy-tale stirring up reactions globally, finally, refugee participation in the games offers them a chance to be viewed in better light than only a group of people seeking good life, mainly in Europe.

Thereby, being a burden. Also, refugees have an opportunity to give themselves a good account. For, had it not been due to genuine factors forcing them away from home, maybe, they would be performing diligent works as citizens, raising their nation's flag aloft in the process. But it is yet far from it. Contrastingly, they come to knock at Europe's gates. And only to be bundled in buses, lorries and containers awaiting transfer to a "third safe country".

Europe still remains refugee's most liked destination, but soon forced to make long journeys in Turkey's direction. It must be said that Turkey is becoming a dumping haven for refugees arriving on European soil. The migration ball has clearly been volleyed inside Turkey's courtyard.

Against a legal framework that was agreed amid contestation. We are yet to realise if sending refugees to another country was a clever act. Importantly though refugees command rights to safety and dignity. We know it.

Continuous detention and limitation of their freedom of movement on premise of irregular entry into Europe should stop. Being upholders of rights of vulnerability groups, European Union (EU) ought to play the correct cards. And have the mettle to do a relieving job for people in distress.

Among some good things that we shall continue to hope should happen are that new arrivals live in descent and safe shelters and detention camps be opened up with assured security. Also, arbitrary deportations and border closures must end, especially where it is clear that such expulsions cannot answer important questions.

Refugees must be able to exercise their rights to asylum. And be hopeful for solutions. It shouldn't be a question of, "if they should be integrated into local communities." Solutions to refugee problems still lie in the hands of EU and international community. Not in singling out one country to re-locate them. And dump them there, hoping that this problem is put to bed.

Delegation of responsibility to another country is unfair. We still search for answers. So, the inclusion of a refugee team in the Olympics is a sign of hope. Highly-gifted athletes have a chance to not only pursue their dreams but advertise the state of refugee and immigration positively. Indeed, it invites international community to acknowledge that refugees are human beings, born with some virtue to add to society other than take away.

Their numbers continue increasing. In fact, global population of refugees stood at a record 59.5 million by end of 2014. The bigger the number, the more they will need solace. So a good show at Rio Olympics will no doubt be consoling. Even without homes to live in, nor a flag to lift, no national anthem to sing, representation at the Games will do refugees a world of good.

Olympics will be a tribute to their courage, resilience and perseverance in overcoming adversity. It could mark the beginning point of building back a future for themselves and their families. And put their horrible experiences firmly behind. It will achieve its objectives.

Good for humanity. And will promote sports among refugees. Encourage well-being, particularly to unaccompanied refugee children. A show of support, and petitions governments and ensure that support for refugee children grow. So they can learn new skills and make positive contributions in their communities. Well done IOC!

The writer is a civil engineer