How is a refugee different from a migrant?

Migrants choose to move to improve their lives by finding work, education, or other reasons. Their move is usually voluntary. In contrast, refugees are forced to flee to save their lives or preserve their freedom and cannot return home safely. Check out our Glossary to learn more about the topic.

What are the main reasons people become refugees?

People become refugees for several reasons, including:

• War and armed conflict
• Ethnic, tribal, and religious violence
• Persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
• Natural disasters and climate change (although not always recognised as refugees under current international law)

What rights do refugees have?

Refugees have rights under international law, including the right not to be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom (non-refoulment). They also have rights to work, education, and access to public relief and assistance (although, this may differ depending on the country). Check out our Refugees & Higher Education page to learn more about the topic.

What challenges do refugees face?

Refugees face numerous challenges, including securing safe shelter, accessing basic services like healthcare and education, finding employment, and integrating into new communities. They often experience trauma from their past experiences and uncertainty about their future.

What is the role of the UNHCR?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a UN agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. They work with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure refugees' safety and well-being. 

Can refugees return to their home country?

Refugees can return to their home country if the conditions that forced them to flee have changed and it is safe for them to go back. This process is called voluntary repatriation. However, many refugees remain in host countries for extended periods because the situation in their home country remains unsafe.

How are refugees protected under international law?

Refugees are protected under international law by the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. These agreements define who is a refugee and outline the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum.

How can I help refugees?

• Donate: Contribute to organisations that support refugees.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local or international refugee support organisations. Discover organisations you can get involved with by checking our Get Support page.
• Advocate: Raise awareness about refugee issues and advocate for policies that protect their rights.
• Educate: Learn about refugee issues and share your knowledge with others to build a more informed and compassionate society. More educational resources can be found in our Resources hub.
• Conduct Research: Undertake research on refugee issues to inform policy and practice, and to highlight the challenges and needs of refugee populations.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Use the university's platform to advocate for policies that support refugees at local, national, and international levels.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training: Conduct cultural sensitivity and awareness training for faculty, staff, and students to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Tutoring and Mentorship Programmes: Establish tutoring and mentorship programmes to support refugee students academically and personally.
• Language Support: Offer language courses and support programmes to help refugees improve their proficiency in the language of instruction. 

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Understanding the truth about refugees and asylum seekers is essential to foster empathy and informed perspectives. Here are some common myths and misconceptions, along with the facts to dispel them:

Myth 1: Refugees are economic migrants.

Fact: Refugees are forced to flee their home countries due to persecution, war, or violence. Unlike economic migrants who move voluntarily for better economic opportunities, refugees are seeking safety and protection from life-threatening situations.

Myth 2: Refugees pose a security threat.

Fact: Refugees are often the victims of violence and terrorism, not the perpetrators. They undergo extensive security screenings and background checks before being granted asylum or resettlement in a new country.

Myth 3: Refugees take jobs away from locals.

Fact: Refugees often bring diverse skills and contribute positively to the economy of their host countries. Studies have shown that refugees can help stimulate local economies by starting businesses, filling labor shortages, and paying taxes.

Myth 4: Most refugees come to wealthy countries.

Fact: The majority of refugees are hosted by developing countries. According to the UNHCR, nearly 85% of the world’s refugees are hosted by low- and middle-income countries close to the conflict zones.

Myth 5: Refugees want to stay permanently in their host countries.

Fact: Many refugees hope to return home when it is safe to do so. Voluntary repatriation is often the preferred solution, but until then, refugees need a safe place to live and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Myth 6: Asylum seekers are illegal immigrants.

Fact: Seeking asylum is a legal right under international law. Asylum seekers are not illegal immigrants; they have the right to seek protection and have their claims evaluated in a fair process.

Myth 7: Refugees live in camps indefinitely.

Fact: While some refugees do live in camps, many live in urban areas or are resettled in third countries. Camps are intended to be temporary solutions, and efforts are made to find more sustainable living conditions for refugees.

Myth 8: Refugees receive more government assistance than citizens.

Fact: Refugees often receive initial assistance to help them integrate, but this support is typically temporary and not more generous than the aid provided to citizens in need. Many refugees quickly become self-sufficient and contribute to their new communities.

Myth 9: Refugees should stay in their region of origin.

Fact: While most refugees do stay in nearby countries, the capacity of these regions to support large numbers of displaced people can be overwhelmed. International burden-sharing is crucial to ensure that all refugees receive the protection and assistance they need.

Myth 10: Refugees are a burden on host countries.

Fact: Refugees can become valuable members of society, contributing culturally, economically, and socially. Many have gone on to achieve significant success in various fields, enriching their host communities.

By dispelling these myths and understanding the facts, we can create a more compassionate and informed approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Your awareness and advocacy can make a significant difference in the lives of those seeking safety and a fresh start.