The paper presents an analysis and an interpretation of the refugee crisis as a growing social risk and an increasing social problem from the perspective of two theoretical and conceptual backgrounds – the social inequality perspective and the multiculturalism perspective. Social inequalities of refugees and asylees pose a risk of social exclusion and a potential social problem that requires action by state and public institutions. We approach social inclusion as a solution to the problem through the concept of empowerment, while emphasising the dimension of multiculturalism in dealing with this social policy and social problem. In doing this we discover and analyse the challenges of social integration of refugees and asylees, which involve different areas of their empowerment that require synchronous action. Special attention is given to the role of education in all the dimensions of refugee empowerment and of the societies in which they are being included. Finally, we compare initiatives that the academic community is launching in the countries of the European Union and in Croatia. The aim of this paper is to encourage debate over the challenge of the refugee crisis based on the analyses and interpretations proposed, and to support state and public institutions in creating well-considered measures within the framework of relevant public policies. © 2018, University of Zagreb. All rights reserved.

Social exclusion Refugees Asylees empowerment social integration

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