The term may may have been somewhat muddied in recent press, but a refugee is ultimately defined as:
“a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.”
Currently, there are approximately 19 million refugees globally, with the number seeking sanctuary in Europe almost doubling since last year. A large number of the refugees are fleeing the current conflict in Syria.
These journeys are difficult and dangerous, and often in little more than inflatable rafts; meaning many have drowned in the attempt. Most recently, the graphic image of young Alan Kurdi (initially reported as Aylan Kurdi) who drowned trying to reach the Greek island of Kos with his family appears to have shocked the mainstream media into action.
The refugees that have made it to Europe are living in extreme poverty in refugee camps across Greece, Austria, Hungary, and Calais. These camps are struggling to cope with demand as more refugees arrive. Others are displaced in Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan.
How to Help
There are a number of ways people can help. SCVO recently published a map of drop off points for donations for people living in the camps. CalAid is helping to support the Calais refugee camps, and is accepting donations at its Portobello drop off on Saturday 12th September. They are also accepting donations via their justgiving page. The Independent also has written a useful article on practical ways you can help.
There is also an ‘Edinburgh Sees Syria‘ event taking place on Saturday from 2.30pm – Midnight at the Scottish Parliament building, to show solidarity with the refugees and to call on the Scottish Government to take further action.
*Sources: The UN Refugee Agency, Vox Media, BBC News
Leave a Reply