The idea of forced migration *AS*

Forced Migration

Refugees: The United Nations Commission for Refugees (UNHR) defines a refugee as ‘a person that cannot live in their country because of well founded fear persecution for reasons for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political association or political opinion. The term is often extended to include people forced to leave their home country due to internal strife or environmental disasters (earthquakes or famine) in order to seek security or help.

Asylum Seekers: Are people who have left their country of origin, have applied for recognition as a refugee, and are awaiting a decision on their application. International law recognises the right of individuals to seek asylum but does not force states to provide it.

Internally Displaced People: They are people that have been forced to leave their homes for similar reasons of a refugee, though they have not left their country of origin. Many IDP’s exist in the same conditions and force the same problems as refugees. Globally IDP’s outnumber refugees.

Refugee Movements

• Ø  In 2008 there were 16 million refugees and 51 million IDP’s
• Ø  Global refugee numbers peaked at 17.6 million in 1992
• Ø  50% of refugees are children
• Ø  Refugee’s lack shelter, healthcare, money, clothing & education
• Ø  4.5 million refugees in & around Israel
• Ø  3 million refugees have fled to Pakistan/ Iran from Afghanistan
• Ø  The number of refugees in MEDC’s have dropped due to tighter restrictions
• Ø  In 2008 195 people from Bhutan were accepted into New Zealand under refugee status
• Ø  New Zealand accepted 701 refugees into the country in 2008