What does it mean to be a refugee? - Benedetta Berti and Evelien Borgman

Summary

Globally, around 60 million people are displaced due to war, violence, and persecution, with many becoming refugees. Defined by the UN's 1951 Convention, refugees are individuals outside their country of nationality, unable to return due to a well-founded fear of persecution. Half of the world's refugees are children, often facing vulnerability. Distinguished from economic migrants, refugees embark on perilous journeys, often to refugee camps, seeking asylum and facing challenges such as limited integration and discrimination.

Takeaways

• 🌍 There are approximately 60 million people worldwide who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, violence, and persecution.
• 🏠 The majority of these individuals become internally displaced persons, meaning they flee within their own countries.
• 🚸 Others cross borders to seek shelter in foreign countries and are referred to as refugees.
• 📜 The modern definition of a refugee was established by the UN's 1951 Convention, focusing on those unable to return home due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
• 🔍 Persecution can be based on race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion, often linked to war and violence.
• 👶 Today, about half of the world's refugees are children, some of whom are unaccompanied and particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
• 🚫 The terms 'migrant' and 'refugee' are distinct; migrants leave their countries for reasons other than persecution, such as economic opportunities or environmental conditions.
• 🛂 Refugee journeys are often fraught with danger and uncertainty, with limited access to basic necessities and the need to navigate complex legal obstacles.
• 🏞️ Refugee camps, intended as temporary solutions, can become long-term homes for many due to limited resettlement and integration opportunities.
• 📝 Upon reaching a new country, displaced persons must apply for asylum, becoming asylum seekers until their refugee status is officially recognized.
• 🏡 Host countries have duties towards recognized refugees, including non-discrimination and the principle of non-refoulement, yet refugees often face inconsistent treatment and challenges.

Q & A

How many people are estimated to have been forced to leave their homes worldwide?

Approximately 60 million people have been forced to leave their homes.

What is the difference between internally displaced persons and refugees?

Internally displaced persons have fled their homes but remain within their own countries, while refugees have crossed a border and sought shelter outside of their own countries.

What does the term 'refugee' mean according to the UN's 1951 Convention?

A refugee is someone who is outside their country of nationality and is unable to return due to well-founded fears of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, social group membership, or political opinion.

Why are children among refugees particularly vulnerable?

Children, especially those unaccompanied by an adult, are more vulnerable to child labor or sexual exploitation due to their situation.

What is the difference between a 'migrant' and a 'refugee' as per the script?

Migrants usually leave their country for reasons not related to persecution, such as seeking better economic opportunities or escaping drought-stricken areas, whereas refugees flee conflict and violence.

What challenges do refugees face during their journeys to safety?

Refugees face challenges such as limited access to shelter, water, or food, and often lack the required documents to travel legally, which may force them to rely on smugglers to cross borders.

Why are belongings often left behind during a refugee's departure?

Belongings might be left behind because the departure can be sudden and unexpected, and people evading conflict often do not have time to gather their possessions.

What is the purpose of refugee camps and who typically runs them?

Refugee camps are intended to be temporary structures offering short-term shelter, usually run by the United Nations Refugee Agency or local governments.

What is the legal status of a displaced person when they first arrive in a new country?

Upon arrival in a new country, a displaced person must apply for asylum and is considered an asylum seeker until their application is accepted and they are officially recognized as a refugee.

What is the principle of non-refoulement, and why is it important for refugees?

Non-refoulement is the principle preventing a nation from sending an individual to a country where their life and freedom are threatened. It is important for refugees as it ensures they are not returned to situations of danger.

What are some of the challenges refugees face in their new host countries?

Refugees often face challenges such as inconsistent and discriminatory treatment, xenophobia, racism, limited access to the workforce, and a lack of education funding for their children.