SESSION ONE SESSION ONE THE REFUGEE EXPERIENCE THE REFUGEE EXPERIENCE
PERSECUTIONPERSECUTION
For refugees, “persecution” means that they have For refugees, “persecution” means that they have had to run from their country because it is very likely had to run from their country because it is very likely that they will be killed or tortured or unfairlythat they will be killed or tortured or unfairly imprisoned imprisoned. .
It means that their government will not protect themIt means that their government will not protect them or stop others from harming themor stop others from harming them. . In some cases it In some cases it is the government that is responsible for the persecutionis the government that is responsible for the persecution
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REFUGEESREFUGEES
A refugee is an asylum seeker who has been A refugee is an asylum seeker who has been accepted by the accepted by the UnitedUnited Nations High Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), or a friendly country as a refugeeor a friendly country as a refugee. .
A refugeeA refugee can not go home can not go home because they fear persecutionbecause they fear persecution..
Some generous countries provide refuge Some generous countries provide refuge until it is safe for them to return home. until it is safe for them to return home.
Others allow them Others allow them to stay permanently if they wish toto stay permanently if they wish to
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ASYLUM SEEKERSASYLUM SEEKERS
An Asylum Seeker is someone who An Asylum Seeker is someone who has has to run from their own country to run from their own country
because they are in danger and their own because they are in danger and their own government will not protect them. government will not protect them.
Some of the reasons for this lack Some of the reasons for this lack of protection can be because of of protection can be because of
their religion, their ethnic their religion, their ethnic group or for political reasons.group or for political reasons.
An Asylum Seeker is someone who An Asylum Seeker is someone who has has to run from their own country to run from their own country
because they are in danger and their own because they are in danger and their own government will not protect them. government will not protect them.
Some of the reasons for this lack Some of the reasons for this lack of protection can be because of of protection can be because of
their religion, their ethnic their religion, their ethnic group or for political reasons.group or for political reasons.
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MIGRANTSMIGRANTS
A Migrant is someone who chooses to leave their own A Migrant is someone who chooses to leave their own home home to to live in another countrylive in another country. .
Most migrants accepted by the Australian Most migrants accepted by the Australian Government are granted permanent residency status Government are granted permanent residency status on arrival in Australia. on arrival in Australia.
Migrants can always go homeMigrants can always go home if they choose to do so. if they choose to do so.
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THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:STAGESSTAGES
1.1. Fleeing home and countryFleeing home and country
2.2. Journeys to seek safetyJourneys to seek safety
3.3. Living in a refugee camp or detention centreLiving in a refugee camp or detention centre
4.4. Being settled into a new countryBeing settled into a new country
5.5. Being sent homeBeing sent home
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THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:EXPERIENCES ON THE WAYEXPERIENCES ON THE WAY
Refugees are subjected to many perilous situations on their Refugees are subjected to many perilous situations on their journey to safety including:journey to safety including:
Running in fear of deathRunning in fear of death
Being bombedBeing bombed
Facing violence including rapeFacing violence including rape
Attack by piratesAttack by pirates
Having to pay bribes to border guardsHaving to pay bribes to border guards
Staying in dangerous places with little food or waterStaying in dangerous places with little food or water
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THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:REFUGEE CAMPSREFUGEE CAMPS
Often, the first place that refugees stop when they run from their Often, the first place that refugees stop when they run from their homeland is a refugee camp in the nearest country homeland is a refugee camp in the nearest country
This is the country of first asylumThis is the country of first asylum
Refugee camps are supposed to be places of safety, where Refugee camps are supposed to be places of safety, where refugees can shelter when they have fled from their homes.refugees can shelter when they have fled from their homes.
Camps are often as dangerousCamps are often as dangerousAs the places from which they have fledAs the places from which they have fled
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THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:THE REFUGEE JOURNEY:PROBLEMS IN REFUGEE CAMPSPROBLEMS IN REFUGEE CAMPS
Often there is not enough food or waterOften there is not enough food or water
There are few doctors and hospitalsThere are few doctors and hospitals
There is little schooling and few games There is little schooling and few games and entertainmentsand entertainments
Refugee camps can be very violent placesRefugee camps can be very violent places
Most camps are in very poor countriesMost camps are in very poor countries
Many rich countries do not help theseMany rich countries do not help thesecountries with the cost of hosting refugeescountries with the cost of hosting refugees
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