Who are refugees?
"Every day, I would look at myself in the mirror and say: “I love you; I see you; I value you, and I accept you.”
Understanding the Fundamentals Of Refugee Migration
Throughout history, many of our ancestors, or even ourselves, have migrated to different countries for various reasons such as personal, economic, social, political, and others. This doesn't necessarily mean that we are refugees. Whether the decision to move was self-determined or forced upon, the fundamental desire behind such a transition remains the same: to find a sense of safety and security that allows us to prosper and grow. We relocate to find a better future, to save our own lives, to secure better opportunities, or to provide a better life for our children. The movement of people has been a central theme of human evolution. Therefore, the question of "Who is a refugee" should be examined in the context of our fundamental human needs, including our need to live safely and peacefully, and to prosper.
Refugees are individuals or groups forced to flee their homeland—a country, state, or region—for reasons of safety and survival. This displacement often arises from natural disasters, war, religious persecution, or other forms of oppression. Examples abound throughout history, such as the Jewish diaspora during the Nazi Holocaust. Another contemporary example is the Rohingya crisis, where Rohingya Muslims have been persecuted in Myanmar, leading to mass displacement and the need for refuge in neighbouring countries. The widely accepted definition of a refugee is someone registered with the UNHCR and recognized as a person in need of protection. The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) typically refers refugees to countries that have ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention and agree to offer permanent resettlement to refugees.
The Rohingya are an ethnic Muslim minority group primarily residing in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Despite having lived in the region for generations, they have faced systematic discrimination, persecution, and violence at the hands of the Myanmar government and military. Denied citizenship and basic rights, the Rohingya have been subjected to severe restrictions on movement, access to education, healthcare, and employment. Fleeing persecution, many Rohingya have embarked on dangerous journeys by land and sea in search of safety and refuge in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, and beyond. "Lost at Sea" illuminates the struggles and resilience of Rohingya refugees, offering a poignant glimpse into their experiences through the lens of one individual, Muhib, as he navigates the perils of displacement and displacement. Produced by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with Humans in Flight, this film underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and solidarity with the Rohingya and other forcibly displaced populations worldwide.
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THE CURRENT REFUGEE CRISES: THE WORLD CAN DO BETTER
The global refugee crisis has dominated headlines as millions of people flee their homes in pursuit of safety and peace. A brief analysis of the Syrian civil conflict, the Rohingya and Hazara exodus, and the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine and Palestine - and the response of the UN and other global bodies.
THE ROHINGYA REFUGEES
AND THEIR QUEST FOR JUSTICE
Shedding light on the prolonged struggle for justice faced by Rohingya refugees who escaped the horrors of genocide in Myanmar.
DETENTION, FREEDOM,
AND HUMANS IN FLIGHT
My own country has become a foreign land. My own people have become strangers to me. And I have become
A wanderer of the universe.