After reading the pages on the Refugee Deeply site, I have a much better understanding of the refugee process and had my eyes opened to how serious different situations are around the world. A refugee as defined under the background page of the Refugee Deeply site as “someone determined to have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion and therefore cannot return to his or her country of origin.”
Although refugees are a topic that is often talked about now, individuals across the world have looked for refuge many times throughout history dating back to the first World War. Refugees have looked for asylum throughout various wars and violence throughout the world that are not often talked about. To my surprise after reading this, I learned that before becoming a refugee an individual is first considered an asylum seeker, and not all asylum seekers are accepted into the refugee process. An asylum seeker can request refuge in any country outside of their own. After going through the application and interview process with a UNHCR officer, the officer will either approve them as an “in need of refuge” or deny them where they can apply for refuge in another country and re-start the process.
09/19/16
09/20/16
Since the crisis began in Syria in March of 2011, more than 11 million Syrians have been effected. This could mean they have been killed or forced out of their homes and neighborhoods. Because of the extreme violence from extremist army and constant bombings, the civilians flee to safety in various countries looking for a safe place. Currently there is almost 5 million Syrians registered or awaiting registry. Of this large number, half are children growing up in these circumstances.
As explained on the Mercy Corps website, many Syrians have looked for refuge in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, or Iraq. Other Syrians have applied for refuge in countries in Europe as well as the United States which can become a long process. Many refugees are growing up in inhumane environments without proper shelter, heat or, necessities such as clean or running water. For those who have shelter, it is often hard to find jobs due to the lack of legalities and proper paperwork.
Overall, the crisis occurring in Syria is in need of support. The news often shows images of the situations in light of war but does not grasp the humane and important side of the issue and the need for help.
09/27/16
Why I Bought Four Syrian Children Off a Beirut Street
The first resource I read in “The Human Story” section of the lib guide is about a man who was traveling in Beirut. As the man, Franklin Lamb, was traveling he came across a distressed Syrian woman who had four upset, hungry, and scared Syrian children with her. Lamb was originally upset because she offered him all four children for $1,000 and his initial thought was that she was a part of a human-trafficking gang. When she explained that the children lost their parents in war and she was no longer able to take care of them and was unable to register with the UNHCR, he purchased the children for $600 in attempt to save them from possible exploitation, malnutrition, or sickness.
Lamb explains that he is aware of the statistics associated with Syrians and their tragic circumstances trying to find refuge, most of the stories and statistic involving children. He explains children and women are often subject to sexual harassment, and people go missing regularly.
During this time, Lamb took care of the children with his friend and desperately tried to find them organizational help while also trying to get them enrolled in school. He explains that he knew he could get in trouble for the circumstance of “buying” human beings, but feels that people should follow their moral compass in situations like that rather than strictly following rules and laws. Rescuing the four children and bringing them into a safe environment was more important to him than the possible ramifications of helping them.
Humanity Crew
The second resource I explored was the Humanity Crew Organization in the “Ways Forward- Advocacy, Assistance, Adjustment” section of the lib guide. This organization is a group of psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals that are dedicated to helping the Syrian crisis. The individuals involved in the organization are from the Galilee and traveled to Lesbos in November of 2015 in response to the issue. Because of their similar backgrounds and experiences, the individuals of Humanity Crew are able to speak the same language and give in-depth support for those dealing with trauma.
10/03/16
South Sudan: After Two Years of Fighting
On December 15, 2013, conflict broke out in the capital of South Sudan, Juba, and has never left the country or it’s citizens the same since. As the conflict spread across the country, South Sudanese looked for refuge from not only the violence, but also medical emergencies, disease, and malnutrition.
The Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) holds a staff of over 2,900 South Sudanese and 300 international workers that have been dedicated to helping those in crisis. Recently, areas of refuge have been the focus of the violence and have been effecting MSF staff.
Exodus: Crossing Mexico
Currently there is a migration crisis at the border between the US and Mexico, also ranging throughout all of Central America. Many individuals fleeing throughout Central America board the freight train known as The Beast. Recently the Mexican government has been trying to prevent individuals from taking this transportation which has caused them to take more dangerous routes. The most vulnerable individuals are women and children, who are often targets of exploitation and violence. Many individuals seeking refuge are unaware of their rights and the correct process of how to get to neighboring countries such as the US.
10/04/16
"One Family's Story from the Dem. Republic of Congo
In this video, the couple explains that they are standing out from the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically to help the women of the country. The couple explains that women have no rights, and are not allowed to go to school. In addition, the women are often violated and marginalized by the government and regular citizens. I noticed that when Clement was retelling a story of what personally happened to his family, his voice becomes slower and his tone becomes quieter, showing he becomes upset having to relive the situation. You can see that he felt helpless in the situation and his anger towards the situation still exists. Although individuals seeking refuge come from all different places, their stories all have the common factors of hope and strength.
All of these people have gone through horrible experiences but still share their stories and relive all the emotions in hopes to make a difference. Each refuge story shows gratitude for being alive and in a better situation, but they also show signs of sadness knowing their countries went through this and there are still so many suffering.
World Focus: Rape as A Weapon of War in Congo
This resource discusses Georgina, a woman from Democratic Republic of Congo, who went to gather fire wood when three men cornered her and raped her. When Georgina told her husband about the trauma she endured, he told her he did not want her anymore because she had been with too many men and fear of disease. The video explains that the army often uses rape as weapon to weaken family units and instill terror.
As a place of refuge, an organization named Synergy was put in place. This organization is a place for women to go to help cope with trauma and learn skills they will need to be on their own. Synergy also cares for infants of rape who were left.
Rape has become common in Congo from not only those of violence, but also from citizens who now know they can get away with it due to corrupt government. Rape being used as a weapon is a serious issue that increases as violence increases throughout the country.