DATE : 16 June 2008

2008 REFUGEE WEEK A REMINDER OF INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS

Dr Berhan Ahmed, Chairperson of the African Think Tank, said that World Refugee Day on Friday, 20 June 2008 was a timely reminder to all members of the international community of the desperate plight faced by millions of refugees across the globe and the common obligation more fortunate nations had to assist as much as possible.

Dr Ahmed said the theme of 2008 Refugee Week in Australia, which runs from June 15 to June 21, is particularly apt.

“The theme: A Place to Call Home underscores the need for governments to recognise that the arrival of refugees onto safer shores is only one step in the process toward a new life,” Dr Ahmed explained.

“For many refugees, a great deal of adjustment needs to be made and substantial support made available for them to begin to feel that their place of sanctuary is also their home.”

“The sense of disconnection with any place is especially strong among those refugees who have spent much, if not all, of their lives, being shuffled from one refugee camp to another.”

“The sense of being unwanted can be just as debilitating to their health as the physical and psychological traumas they are seeking to escape.”

Dr Ahmed also stressed the importance of not treating all refugees as a helpless stereotype.

“While there are many refugees who do require extensive assistance in education and support in adjusting to life in a modern Australian environment, there are also many refugees who are highly educated and ready to contribute meaningfully to their new home if given the chance.”

“A key part in helping refugees to feel like Australia is their home is to respect them as people with individual needs, knowledge and experience rather than statistics on a page,” Dr Ahmed said.

Refugee Week has been observed annually since 1986. More than 50 local events will be held across metropolitan and regional Victoria over the seven days to mark Refugee Week.