Understanding the
Global Crisis
At United in Mind, we use the term loosely to refer to all people who have had to leave their homes due to external pressures and unpleasant circumstances. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, stateless, and internally displaced people.
Very few have been granted asylum, while the rest are often stuck in transition, either in refugee camps, detention centers, urban areas in nearby countries, or still displaced within their home countries awaiting opportunity for safe passage out.
Many are forced to leave home due to violence, internal conflict, violations of human rights, unlawful persecution without due process, systemic oppression, hazardous conditions, and/or lack of opportunity.[1]
They will more than likely help the economy in places where they are able to work legally. The senior to working-age ratio is increasing, less U.S.-born families are having children[3], and we need to increase immigration to sustain social security.[4] They contribute more to social security and use less benefits than native-born citizens[5][11], start businesses at higher rates[6][50], and contribute to our GDP and tax revenue.[7][9]
#Infographics
How Immigration Benefits Our Economy
#Resilience
Refugees and immigrants are some of the most determined, driven, hard-working, and brave people. Despite enduring difficult circumstances and many obstacles along the way, they continue to work hard, build communities, and support one another, accomplishing great things wherever opportunity exists.
#EmpathyNotSympathy
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
People all around the world are looking for safety, security, and opportunity. These photos serve as a reminder that there are people outside our bubble who simply want a better future. Children find ways to make their own toys, and adults find ways to provide an education in refugee camps with limited resources. The stories are of determination, adaptation, and survival.
We need to respect and admire the struggle of people who are willing to endure difficult circumstances just to provide their families with a better chance at life. The displaced are all around us and we can all do something to express our humanity in little ways when we find the opportunity. After all, most of our perceived differences are just social and cultural constructs.
#WhereAreTheyFrom
Top 10 Countries of Origin of People Displaced Across Borders [1]
82% of people displaced across borders as of 2020 originate from 10 countries, including Afghanistan (3.5m), Syria (6.69m), Venezuela (4m), South Sudan (2.19m), Myanmar (1.1m), Democratic Republic of Congo (840k), Somalia (815k), Sudan (788k), Central African Republic (642k), and Eritrea (522k). [1]
Afghanistan is of critical concern as, due to the Taliban takeover, the number of displaced people rose 73% (at least 230k people) in only 2 months between June and August 2021.[8] Sexual assault, torture, and the killing of civilians continues to go unpunished.[20] Lack of women's rights in various ways from lack of access to education to so-called "virginity tests."[24] Media is restricted and journalists are often targeted.[24]
Political instability and internal conflicts continue. Armed rebels frequently attack major towns. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire. Homicides, kidnapping, and crime are common.[22] Children are forced into domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation.[17] Numerous human rights violations occur.[24] At least 50% of the population is displaced.[18] Ranked 188 out of 188 on the Human Development Index.[21]
A totalitarian regime has been in power since 1993, without a constitution nor national elections.[24] Citizens within Eritrea are forced into indefinite national service, often through conscription into the military or civil duties[19] and can be detained at any time under crowded and inhumane conditions without due process. Torture is used for interrogation and punishment.[22] Media is censored, those who express negative opinions (in public or private) about the regime disappear, journalists go missing[22], and private internet access is unavailable.[23] Listed as Tier 3 country for human trafficking.[16]
Political instability and conflict continues. Over 120 armed groups are active and civilians are often victims of massacres, kidnappings, sexual violence, and more. Children are often taken for recruitment.[24] More than 1.7 million women have been raped.[25] At least 25% of the population lack consistent access to food and resources.[26]
Under military control as of Feb 1, 2021.[27] Politically unstable. Internal armed conflict between terrorists, ethnic groups, and the military has put civilians in danger. Issues include ethnic violence, drug trafficking, and crimes such as killings, rapes, gang rapes, and torture.[24] Media is largely censored along with opposition to the government. Young protestors have been killed during peaceful demonstrations.[27]
"Ongoing armed conflict, insecurity, lack of state protection, and recurring humanitarian crises exposed Somali civilians to serious abuse. There are an estimated 2.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs), many living unassisted and vulnerable to abuse." - Human Rights Watch[24]
Africa's newest country as of 2011. "Conflict, security forces’ violations, entrenched impunity, [lawlessness], all [...] enhanced by [...] Covid-19. All armed groups committed abuses against civilians including unlawful killings, abductions, and sexual violence. The army and armed roups recruited and used children. Authorities [...] detain critics, including members of civil society and journalists, [without due process]." Humanitarian workers attacked. - Human Rights Watch[24]
History of political and economic instability. Newly transitioned to democratic rule. Violence and conflict continues in Darfur and Eastern Sudan. In the past, "armed militia groups [...] attacked a camp for displaced people and killed dozens of people, including children, raped women, and girls, destroyed schools, and burned homes, causing tens of thousands to flee." - Human Rights Watch[24]
Political & economic instability and violence continues. More than 9.3 million Syrians are food insecure and over 80% live below the poverty line. The authoritarian regime arrests, tortures, or kills those who oppose them. The Syrian-Russian military alliance attacks schools, hospitals, markets, homes, and shelters. Hazardous living conditions. LGBTQ individuals are targets of sexual violence as well as women. Access to basic resources can be inconsistent.[24]
Lack of access to basic resources like healthcare, nutrition, and water. Human rights violations and lack of due process as the government detains and tortures opponents. Armed groups called colectivos collude with or are employed by the government to control and attack civilians, journalists, and political opponents. They engage in murder, rape, forced labor, and child recruitment to establish control.[24]
#UnitedInMind
Highlights
The Journey
The decision to leave home is rarely easy. They leave loved ones behind and it often takes years before they find a place to settle down.
Obstacles
They face many obstacles on the way and risk torture, human trafficking, enslavement, sexual violence, extortion, and death. Many people (including children) disappear.
A New Home
Adjusting to a new place can be difficult between trauma, culture shock, and barriers to entry due to lack of community response. Most, however, thrive.
#ShareYourStory
"We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced." - Malala Yousafzai
She was a refugee who fought for the right to an education, was shot in the head for it, recovered, and never gave up.
#ChangeTheWorld
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.” - Albert Einstein
Few know that Einstein was a refugee; it took him 7 years to get citizenship after arriving in the US in 1933.
