Today’s world is witnessing a big number of natural disasters, wars and conflicts, which result in a rising number of refugees around the world.

Millions of refugees flee their countries to other countries around the globe with hope to rebuild their lives. Having fled war, rape, torture and with unimaginable stories to tell, they are in a desperate need for both psychological and material support. Many refugees have lost everything and their lives will never return to normal.

You can help create a welcoming and supportive environment for those arriving in your community.

Who is a refugee?

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee often has a fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.

How can you help a refugee?

There are many ways to help refugees including donations, volunteering or even raising awareness. You always must have a role in supporting most vulnerable people. However, when those vulnerable are refugees in your country, or in a place that you can easily reach, your responsibility becomes doubled.

Here, we tried to give tips and ideas on how to support a refugee. You can also find your own way but what is most important is not to hesitate; go ahead and take an action.

Donate Some Basics

Donate food, toiletries, medicine, mobile phones, phone cards, bedding, supermarket vouchers, kitchenware or nappies. These kind of essentials are always needed, so try to make some donations and also if you can collect donations from your family and friends, this will be of much help.

Help Them Find Work

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” This popular saying sums it up. Helping a refugee to find a work and gain his living is much better that donating money for him.

Volunteering

Most of the organizations that work in humanitarian aid and relief are always in need of volunteers. Volunteering can be in many forms such as administrative work, legal issues, media reports, healthcare..etc

Become a Foreign Language tutor

In many cases, a refugee is not speaking foreign languages. If you teach him the language of the host country, you are making him a great favor.

Welcome Refugees

Encourage your community members, family and friends to become a Refugee Welcome Zone. Find out how to welcome refugees into your community.

Stay informed

If you can’t assist in other ways, at least try to keep an eye on such news and spread awareness.
References

http://www.unrefugees.org/site/c.lfIQKSOwFqG/b.4950731/k.A894/What_is_a_refugee.htm

http://justbaustralia.com.au/news/10-ways-to-help-asylum-seekers-today-4675/