Refugees (who cares?)
On the 20th of June, 2023, the world celebrated Refugee Day.
To commemorate, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released the latest global trends of the displaced as of 2023.
117 million people will be forcibly displaced/stateless in 2023.
As of 2022, this figure was 103 million.
Out of these 117 million who are displaced, not even 1% of these will resettle in a Western Nation.
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception held by Western Nations that the amount of refugees entering the country is enough to threaten their cultural values and nationhood. These refugees who resettle from developing countries to developed nations, do not contribute as citizens and do not work - they are a burden on tax payers.
This overwhelming view was held by a number of Australians, seen on a social media post on Refugee Sunday (working in partnership with World Evangelical Alliance and Refugee Highway Partnership). The following pictures revealed the level of apathy towards migrants and refugees:
This overwhelming view was held by a number of Australians, seen on a social media post on Refugee Sunday (working in partnership with World Evangelical Alliance and Refugee Highway Partnership). The following pictures revealed the level of apathy towards migrants and refugees:
We as Philoi are not expecting the 117 million people to be resettled in Western Nations - nor do we advocate for it.
Instead, we look for solutions that point towards relief, focusing on the possibilities in facilitating their return to their own countries when safe to do so, and enabling them to relocate within the religion to be safe. As a last resort, we will advocate for them to be resettled in a different country - these being the most vulnerable individuals who have a very real threat to their lives, and who cannot relocate to other countries. We encourage you to not be consumed by the seemingly loud and dominating views on social media that act to fuel tension and hatred, as opposed to solutions. These comments only further convince us of the work that must be done in advocating for those who are in need. Let us continue to interceed over the displaced community, and loving the stranger.
Instead, we look for solutions that point towards relief, focusing on the possibilities in facilitating their return to their own countries when safe to do so, and enabling them to relocate within the religion to be safe. As a last resort, we will advocate for them to be resettled in a different country - these being the most vulnerable individuals who have a very real threat to their lives, and who cannot relocate to other countries. We encourage you to not be consumed by the seemingly loud and dominating views on social media that act to fuel tension and hatred, as opposed to solutions. These comments only further convince us of the work that must be done in advocating for those who are in need. Let us continue to interceed over the displaced community, and loving the stranger.
‘And you are to love those who are foreigners,for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.’Deuteronomy 10:19