Today is world refugee day and I did not even know that was a thing.
And I welcome it!
Source: Youtube: the Daily Conversation Europe's Refugee Crisis Explained
Source: https://jobs.utah.gov/refugee/events/wrd.html
Today, June 20, 2017, is World Refugee Day. I was surprised when I first heard it, because I did not know it existed (but there's a day for everything these days, so why not) I wanted to know more about it so did some research. What I gathered, is that it was started to raise awareness of the global situation of refugees. It is a day to honor the courage, perseverance and sacrifice of refuges, asylum seekers and internally displaced people (Global Citizen. http://glblctzn.tumblr.com).
Today, the number of refugees in the world are approximately over 65 million; it is the highest it have ever been in history. And for certain, the numbers will continue to grow due to the increase in life threatening conditions, whether it be natural disasters (hurricanes, tsunamis) or man made disasters, (wars, civil wars, violence). Now, more than ever, it is time to #StandWithRefugees and raise awareness to the challenges they face because one day, it may be you! You never know.
I know some people have an issue with refuges coming into their country, as they may fear an increase in crime and violence, loss of job opportunities for nationals or that they are “taking up your taxes” or whatever the racist comments that I read on Facebook say. As a Trinidadian, who live directly close to Venezuela, (see map below to know just how close it is), we‘ve been seeing a huge influx of Venezuelans these past few years, whether they’re coming by boat or plane.
Map of the Trinidad and Venezuela
A look at the crisis that Venezuela is facing
Source: The Next News Network VENEZUELA CRISIS DEEPENS: 'WE WANT FOOD!'
Source: National Geographic. Photograph by Carlos Garcia Rawlins, REUTERS
Source: NBC news, Latin American Countries Attempt to Help Venezuela Financial Crisis
As such, so many are fleeing their country for food and to save themselves from the high spike in crime. Many Trinidadians are not pleased though, some women here are even threatened because they fear that the Venezuelan women would take "all the men" lol. I for one couldn't give one rat's ass.
All I am saying, is whatever your opinion on this touchy matter is, please just step back, reflect, sympathize and empathize.
It is wonderful to note that many people around the world (as well as in Trinidad and Tobago) are showing support and providing assistance for refugees willingly, whether they’re individuals or governments.
Today, the refugee crisis is considered one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world right now. Some of the tragedies that refugee families face are:
- Families are separated, fathers and mothers killed, leaving children to fend for themselves
- Children are taken out of schools; schools are destroyed. Robbing them of a normal, happy childhood where they are given opportunities to learn
- Homes, hospitals destroyed
- Food shortages, starvation, lack of money to buy food
This has revealed some ugly sides of humanity.
Please feel free to comment, the discussion is open I'd like to hear your views on this subject.
Don't forget to upvote!