Individual Who Has Been Forced to Leave His Country - Research Paper Example

? [Teacher’s History and Political Science Refugees The term refugee refers to an individual who has been forced to leave hiscountry of origin because of violence, war, protection or political danger (The UN Refugee Agency, n.p). The process of granting asylum to individuals who are under threat has been ongoing for the many decades. This process can be dated back 3 500 years ago to the times of the Hittites, ancient Egyptians, Assyrians and Babylonians (The UN Refugee Agency, n.p). Presently the UN refugee agency’s sole purpose is to protect refugees in the midst of a war in their motherland. The 1951 Geneva Convention is the main international agreement concerning the protection of refugees. It illustrates the definition of a refugee and the rights he is entitled to whilst in the guardianship of the country which signed the Geneva Convention agreement (The UN Refugee Agency, n.p). Refugees are people who are under threat for reasons such as, political opinion, religion, race, membership of a certain movement or nationality. These individuals can not return to their home country in fear of losing their lives. In the year 2005, Palestine, Somalia, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq and Sierra Leone were among the leading sources of refugees (Rosenburg, n.p). Most refugees are accommodated in camps, which are usually highly concentrated with people. These camps are either built by the state or Non government organizations. These camps supply the refugees with food and the appropriate medical aid until it is safe for them to return to their own country. This can last for years and in a situation where the host country feels it will never be safe for these individuals to return home, they are resettled to another country known as the ‘third country’, which is different from their country of origin. However, refugees are rarely resettled and usually remain in their camps. As previously mentioned, the camps which refugees are settled are highly concentrated. They are also not sanitation friendly as the large number of people makes it difficult to maintain a hygienic environment. Whilst in these camps, refugees are prone to contracting many diseases. These include cholera, dysentery, tuberculosis and HIV Aids. Contagious diseases are likely to spread very fast in a refugee camp (The UN Refugee Agency, n.p). Refugees are also prone to sexual and physical violence from the guards in their camps or from individuals amongst them. This also enhances the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (Seagul, n.p). The also face problems with adjusting to the culture of the places they are relocated. In addition, it is also very difficult for them to find employment as many locals have a negative opinion about refugees. Due to the fact that they have no employment options to sustain themselves, they are prone to joining terrorist groups or other recruitment programs because they have no other choice. Many refugees are often put under the pressure from migrating form rural areas into urban centers of developed countries. In addition, they might not be familiar with the language and have difficulty in communication and expressing themselves. This can also lead to depression and suicide. Refugees are assisted by the government of the country which they are given asylum. They provide them with the basic necessities they require. They are also assisted by Non Governmental Organizations which are created by different charities and receive funds from donations. Volunteers also help the refugees, by bring food to the camps, teaching them the local language, giving them emotional support or giving monetary donations. Refugees can also be closely related to as homeless individuals. They have unstable housing and may require relocation at any time. They own no personal property in their place of residence. According to Hollister et al., refuges face many barriers when they are seeking for housing and are at great risk of homelessness (n.p). Most refugees are settled; however, possess a constant risk of losing their homes. Despite of the risk, the fact that they are settled does not qualify them as homeless, hence, they are ineligible for assistance in different housing programs (Hollister et al., n.p). The barriers faced by refugees whilst searching for accommodation include, unaffordable rental prices, lack of appropriately sized housing, lack and of rental history (Hollister et al., n.p). According to the World Refugee Survey: 2009, refugees have the rights to work, pursue a decent life and move freely during their time of exile (n.p). The states holding refugees are encourage to abstain from any unnecessary restrictions that jeopardize the freedom of the refugees (World Refugee Survey: 2009, n.p). They are actually encouraged to give refugees special treatment and facilitate for their active contribution into the community (World Refugee Survey: 2009, n.p). Extra curricular activities could also be created for refugees in order to allow them to integrate with the local population (World Refugee Survey: 2009, n.p). In Uganda, refugees who refused to live in the settlement were not given any assistance and had to fend for themselves. They created their own football team to bond amongst themselves and with other members of the community. Since they were very poor, some member of the team could not afford shoes, and the team policy was if one player has no shoes, everyone plays without. This bonding is necessary as refugees live under extreme conditions and need each other’s support to progress. They also need the support of the community as they are trying to integrate and blend into an unfamiliar territory and lifestyle. Countries that facilitate refugees should create employment programs that allow refugees to start a new life and cater for themselves. As most private companies are unwilling to offer them any opportunities, it is up to the government or charity organizations to assist them in this field. Surveys should also be carried in different refugee camps to monitor the condition they are living in and ensure they are up to international standards. Celebrities and other role models should also be encouraged to assist refugees and conduct charity events to generate funds for improving their living conditions. Works Cited Hollister, David, et al. Hidden homelessness. University of Minnesota. Web. 9 March 9, 2013 Rosenberg, Matt" Refugees - The Global Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Situtation". About.com Guide. Web.9 March 2013 Seagal, Uma. Assessment of Issues Facing Immigrant and Refugee Families. Berkley.edu. Web. (n.d) March 9, 2013 The UN Refugee Agency. What is a refugee? (n.d). Web. 9 March 2013. World Refugee Survey. Refugee Warehousing International Standards. (2009). Web. 9 March 2013 Read More