Negative Rhetoric Towards Refugees Hurts Us All

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Negative Rhetoric Towards Refugees Hurts Us All

Jan 28th, 2016 | Advocacy, Detention, Government, Immigration, Legal, Media, Opinion, Refugee Community, Rejection, Welfare | Comment

Negative Comments On Refugees

A Comprehensive Review Of Strategy In Handling Non-refoulement Claims

Jan 28th, 2016 | Advocacy, Detention, Government, Immigration, Legal, Media, Refugee Community, Rejection, Welfare | Comment

Comprehensive Review Strategy For USM

No Plans to Opt Out of the Refugee Convention, Government Says.

Jan 28th, 2016 | Advocacy, Government, Immigration, Legal, Refugee Community | Comment

We Will Not Drop CAT

Health In Action Launches a Program for Refugees

Jan 27th, 2016 | Advocacy, Education, Health, Refugee Community, Welfare | Comment

Health Program For Asylum Seekers

Syndicates Driving Up The Numbers Of Asylum Seekers In Hong Kong

Jan 26th, 2016 | Advocacy, Crime, Immigration, Legal, Media, Opinion, Refugee Community, Rejection | Comment

Cyndicates Driving Up Asyum Seekers Numbers In Hong Kong

Hong Kong Chief Executive Thwarted Again

Jan 26th, 2016 | Advocacy, Government, Immigration, Legal, Media, Refugee Community, Rejection | Comment

Chief Executive Thwarted AgainHong 

REFUGEES STUCK IN HONG KONG WILL NEVER MAKE IT TO THE US

Jan 25th, 2016 | Advocacy, Government, Immigration, Legal, Media, Opinion, Rejection, Welfare | Comment

Refugees In Hong Kong Will Never Make it to The US

Giving refugees a voice to win hearts and minds

Jan 25th, 2016 | Advocacy, Opinion, Refugee Community, Rejection, RU Opinion, Welfare | Comment

We refugees should not remain passive as others label us with their lies. This has become more problematic over the ten years I have been stranded in Hong Kong. If refugees don’t speak up, who will understand our difficulties and support our struggle? I believe we should connect directly with citizens, liaise more and share about ourselves and learn about residents. Like it or not, we are part of  ONE COMMUNITY.

 

Few will deny that refugees are negatively portrayed in the mainstream media by government propaganda which constructs stereotypes, spreads prejudice and condones discrimination. To counter this negativity, refugees must create a platform of exchange that including people with different backgrounds of ethnicity, religion and language. We cannot remain silent.

 

Communication is the answer. We need to share our stories and tell other people about our culture, what defines us in the global community and in the place we call home today. My experience teaches me that citizens are generally very interested to learn about our culture heritage and ethnic diversity.

 

When presented with the right opportunity, residents are curious about refugees and ready to bridge the artificial and unnatural gap create by immigration laws – which by the way don’t make sense to everyone. How much do locals know about the lives and traditions refugees follow? How many have visited the countries we come from? How can refugees win hearts and minds?

 

By sharing our experiences and telling our stories, we can open their eyes to a broader worldview. We can foster understanding and encourage integration through getting to know one another. This is the true Spirit of Globalization, where every village connects amicably and collaborates fairly. It is a fact that more Hong Kong ladies are marrying refugees than ever before.

 

At times it may be deeply personal and emotional, but that is the nature of friendship. Residents need to get an idea of what we feel and we need to open our hearts to them. Communication is a two-way street. It is talking and listening at a deeper, trusting level. I encourage refugees to unite and reach out to the community to form friendships. It is a civilized response to the hatred and division flamed by the government.

To overcome discrimination, the Refugee Union should firstly promote greater collaboration and self-reflection with its members. Admittedly much needs to be done in this respect. We should then focus on the positives we offer, on the contribution we already make and the potential we have as an organized, empowered family.

 

There is clearly a need for assistance, fundraising and advocacy, but we must also endeavour to give something back to the community and create more harmony. Let’s not forget we enjoy Freedom of Speech, so it’s our duty to assure refugees have a proper voice in Hong Kong. It has been said before: Refugees are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. The brightest light sometimes comes from the darkest places.

Give Refugees a Voice

Hong Kong Refugees Stranded In Legal Limbo

Jan 25th, 2016 | Advocacy, Government, Refugee Community, Rejection, Welfare | Comment

Hong Kong Refugess In Legal Limbo

Speed Up Review of Hong Kong’s Asylum System to Stamp Out Abuse

Jan 22nd, 2016 | Advocacy, Media, Refugee Community, Welfare | Comment

Speed up Review of USM