face to face with refugees in Malaysia
WHO ARE REFUGEES?
“A refugee is a person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, unwilling to avail himself to the protection of that country.
~ 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Article 1(A)(2)
WHO ARE REFUGEES?
Refugees are FORCED to
leave their countries because of:
- serious discrimination in their home countries,
- armed conflict,
- serious public disorder, and
- other complex human rights issues.
WHO ARE REFUGEES?
- Refugees are NOT economic migrants.
- Economic Migrants: persons who leave their countries to seek material improvements in their lives.
Key DIFferences
What are the rights of refugees?
RIGHTS OF REFUGEES
- Fundamental right - not to be forcibly returned to a country where their lives or freedoms may be at risk
- Same social and economic rights as any other foreigner in the country
- Refugee laws - these rights can be enhanced and further regularises by the State
RESPONSIBILITIES OF REFUGEES
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Responsibility - to respect the laws of the country