Today on world refugee day, Hollywood actress & an activist has shared her thoughts about the refugee crisis.
The title of her essay is “WHAT WE OWE REFUGEES” for THE NEWYORK TIMES. The difference between a refugee & a migrant is highlighting in her article.
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“Why then has the world refugee acquired such negative connotations in our times?” Angelina writes. “Why are politicians being elected on promises to shut borders and turn back refugees?” today the distinction between refugees & migrants has been blurred and politicized.
The piece, written by Angelina Jolie calls out the American president for basing his immigration policies on fear rather than facts. She talks about her children, her humanitarian work, and her personal experiences with refugees. Angelina’s essay marks her first work as a contributing editor for TIME. She will write about topics, including human rights, displacement, and conflict.
WHO ARE REFUGEES?
Refugees are people caught in the fury of war. Far from being terrorists, and they are often the victims of terrorism. Refugees leave their country because of violence. Migrants have chosen to move to improve their lives. “Shutting our door to refugees or discriminating among them is not our way. It will not make us safer”. Jolie concluded: “acting out of fear is not our way.” Targeting the weakest does not show strength.
EVERYONE DESERVES DIGNITY AND FAIR TREATMENT:
“Everyone deserves dignity and fair treatment, but we need to be clear about the distinction.” Under international law, it is an obligation to assist refugees. It is an illusion to think any country that can retreat behind its borders and hope the problem will go away. We need leadership and effective diplomacy. We need to focus on long term peace based on justice and accountability to enable refugees to return home. It is possible to ensure active border control, individual immigration policies while meeting our responsibility to help refugees. She finally ends her essay urging wealthier countries to “address humanitarian funding shortfalls.” So that refugee parents don’t have to choose between food and school for their children.
