Surviving the Worst -- Places No Refugee Wants to End Up

How many years does a refugee spend in a refugee camp

• Posted on Jun 23, 2009

Surviving the Worst -- Places No Refugee Wants to End Up
We can't depend on the UN or UNHCR or governments to speak out for these refugees

Thailand, South Africa, Gaza, Malaysia, Kenya, Egypt, and Turkey are among the worst places for refugees according to USCR's just released World Refugee Survey 2009. Over the last year:

~ The Thai navy dragged disabled boats full of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar out to sea and abandoned them to the sun and sea.

~ Xenophobic mob attacks in South Africa killed dozens of foreigners and drove tens of thousands from their homes.

~ Hamas rocket attacks launched from Gaza provoked an Israeli invasion, including indiscriminate attacks, that killed more than 1,400 Palestinians.

~ Malaysian officials continued to sell deported refugees into slavery.

~ Kenya continued its attempts to stem the flow of Somali refugees by forcing hundreds back across the border, beating many and demanding bribes from them.

~ Egyptian border guards shot and killed more than 30 African migrants trying to cross into Israel.

~ Turkey continued to deport hundreds of asylum seekers back to their countries of origin without any chance at protection, and in one incident drowned four people by forcing them to try to swim across a swift river into Iraq.

Learn more about conditions for refugees around the world. All of these incidents are contrary to the humane treatment of any human being and are clear violations of international refugee norms.

The World Refugee Survey also highlights some of the best places for refugees. These include Brazil, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Review the refugee report card for fifty-two countries and regions around the world.

How many years does a refugee spend in a refugee camp?

Burmese refugees have been in camps in Thailand for as long as 24 years.

Angolan refugees have languished in camps in Zambia for more than 33 years.

Sri Lankan refugees have remained in camps in India for 25 years or more.

Most people are surprised to learn that refugees frequently endure a decade or more in a substandard refugee camp -- in many instances they are completely confined to the camp without the basic right to move about freely, earn a living so they can care for their family, or send their children to good schools or otherwise begin rebuilding their lives. These refugees are innocent people caught in an inhumane limbo.

You can help change this situation and change the lives of millions of refugees. Join USCRI's campaign to support the basic human rights of refugees and end the warehousing of human beings. Ask your friends to join too.

We can't depend on the UN or governments to speak out for these refugees. We need you.

Source for this Message:
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
http://www.refugees.org/

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