A meaningful meal, an exchange of gifts, a walk through a beautiful display of lights, a gathering for fellowship at a sacred place of worship.
The holiday season, regardless of religious beliefs, should be a joyous time for everyone. A time to gather with family and friends to treasure what truly matters.
A moment to make space for love and peace in a safe space.
Unfortunately that will not be the reality for many impacted by conflicts or climate disasters for which they cannot control. Disasters that are so severe, they are left displaced, unhoused and frightened for what may lie ahead.
In some cases, if they safely escape their current surroundings and seek asylum in a new country, they are facing language barriers, food insecurity and lack of access to basic necessities unless they are wealthy or have family in the new place who can provide shelter.
Aside from navigating the trauma of what they left behind (such as grieving the death of loved ones) in their new surroundings, they may be met with racism, sexism, violence and/or bureaucratic red tape that delays their re-settlement for months or even years.
On this International Migrants Day, we’ll examine the reasons why refugees exist, discuss the common challenges they face and offer ways to lend support to those in need.
Climate Change
A recent disaster that’s devastated communities across Asia—a massive flood, which killed over 1200 people and left over a million displaced—has prompted Indonesia to take action against the corporations they feel were responsible, due to their extreme (unnecessary) clearing of forests. If they are successful, and we hope they will be, it will set an important precedent for further climate disasters that are exacerbated by or are a direct result of poor environmental management.
Washington state and the entire Pacific Northwest have also experienced catastrophic floods in recent weeks, causing widespread damage and the displacement of thousands.
War and Conflict
As we noted in a previous essay, the ongoing crisis in Sudan has displaced 13 million people. In other areas: Russia’s War on Ukraine has displaced 11 million people. In Afghanistan, over 10 million people have been displaced due to political instability. The conflict in Gaza has displaced 5.27 million people. Our wish is for safe transitions for those forced to leave their homes and peace in all of these places so no further disruption or loss of life occurs.
Normalised Violence
In Mexico, organised crime frequently displaces its own citizens. Rebels and drug cartels in Colombia and Venezuela force residents there to flee. Unimaginable ongoing violence is driving Haitians away from their homes. Proper leadership and pressure from the international community will go a long way in resolving these terrifying situations.
How to Help
Though the issues migrants face are complicated, there are many sound organisations attempting to make their transitions easier. Here are just a few places you can go to donate and help promote the positive treatment of guests in their new countries:
Amnesty International helps free those wrongfully detained in detention centers to reunite them with their loved ones and restart their lives with dignity.
Talent Beyond Boundaries provides job opportunities to displaced people around the globe to enable them to safely relocate and rebuild their lives.
International Refugee Assistance Project helps migrants through legal action and advocacy with their Climate Displacement Program, Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Program and Family Reunification program.
Justice for Migrant Women supports the rights of displaced women regardless of their migration history or circumstances.
Migrants Resource Centre Canada helps empower workers through education, training and representation.
Refugee Artisan Initiative assists migrant women in developing a successful transition into the workforce with training and micro-business development.
Furthermore, if your city or town has a program to help transition refugees, ask what they may need help with and respond accordingly. They may ask for assistance spreading awareness, practising language, hosting a drive for food or clothing, or providing safe housing. Whatever you’re able to do or give, consider the difference it will make and how your community will be enriched by the skills and experience of these citizens from different cultures.
Above all else, if you encounter a migrant in your community, welcome them with the compassion, respect and dignity they deserve, for they have probably overcome many challenges just to be there.
“At the Crossroads, 2014” © Julian Lennon. View his entire Kisumu-Kenya collection at julianlennonphotography.com.
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