Refugees
Definition
Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country due to severe threats such as war, violence or persecution based on race, religion, nationality or political opinion.
Analogy
Imagine you're living peacefully in your house when suddenly it catches fire. You have no choice but run away from your burning house for safety - that's what happens with refugees. Their 'house' (home country) becomes too dangerous because of 'fire' (war/violence/persecution), forcing them out into an unfamiliar world seeking safety.
Related terms
Asylum Seekers: As mentioned above these are individuals who seek refugee status in another country.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): These are individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to similar reasons as refugees but remain within their home country's borders.
Resettlement: This is the transfer of refugees from an asylum country to another state that has agreed to admit them and ultimately grant them permanent settlement.
"Refugees" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (5)
- What is the main difference between refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)?
- In the context of forced migration, which factor is most likely to lead refugees to return home?
- What body of water do refugees from North Africa often cross to reach Europe?
- What country hosts the largest number of refugees currently due to forced migrations?
- Which type of migration is often associated with refugees?
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