Who is a refugee?
A refugee is a person who is outside of their country of citizenship because they are scared of persecution. Persecution can be on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion and is unable to obtain sanctuary from their home or country.
Why do people become refugees?
· Natural disasters
· Abuse or mistreatment
· Economic reasons
· Famine/poverty
How many refugees are there in the world?
Number of forcibly displaced worldwide: 59.5 million
During the year, conflict and persecution forced an average of 42,500 people per day to leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere, either within the borders of their countries or in other countries.
Last year, 51% of refugees were under 18 years old. This is the highest figure for child refugees in more than a decade.
How are refugees treated around the world?
Groups including the UN refugee agency UNHCR and Amnesty International have urged nations to stop treating vulnerable men, women and children like criminals.
“More refugees need such protection than ever before”, a spoke’s person for the UNHCR said last week. “We need to treat all human beings with respect and dignity. We need to ensure that the human rights of migrants are respected.”
More than 4000 people have died in desperate effort to reach the EU so far this year, but this is what awaits them when they arrive: finger printing, numbering, detention and police.
How can we help the refugees in the UK?
· The best way to help refugees is to donate cash to humanitarian organisations or charities. Cash donations are the fastest, most efficient way to get help to vulnerable people.
· Volunteer to help refugees
· Donate clothes / books / toys etc
· Offer a free room in your house
· Offer a property that could be used to house refugees
· If you are a professional you could help refugees integrate on arrival in the UK
· If you have a business and offer an idea that could help
· Foster a child
· Local authority or school can look for additional training to help build the emotional resilience of children in government’s care.
Famous refugees
Gloria Estefan- Cuban-American
Albert Einstein- German- American
Omid Djalili - Iranian- British
Rita Ora- Kosovon- British
Ever wonder how a child feels when forced to flee home? Leaving behind your loved ones and prized possessions is a traumatic separation. Here are some clips telling the stories of these refugee children:
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