World Refugee Day 2022
Today is World Refugee Day (WRD). Each year on 20 June, WRD is commemorated globally to “celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. [It] is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.”
Advocates for Refugees – Singapore (AFR-SG) has compiled some local views on the global refugee crisis. From the pragmatic to the inspirational, from presumptions to actions, AFR-SG hopes that this range of views can open up dialogue on what we can do for refugees, however simple and small the steps may be.
Singaporean Perspectives on Refugees
While most know of Singapore’s longstanding policy of not accepting refugees, few know of a time where Singapore hosted Vietnamese refugees, from 1977 to 1996. The recurring questions and perspectives on Singapore’s refugee policies and what Singaporeans can do, regardless of decade and geography, is a reminder that dialogue and advocacy have always played its part, and will continue to do so. In this spirit, AFR-SG invites all to think, question, and speak up for refugees, regardless of time and geography.
To find out more about what you can do, check out AFR-SG’s social media pages – (@_afrsg) and their Linktr.ee page.
Vivian Balakrishnan on Refugees
“I will also have to reiterate our long-held position that we cannot take refugees because we are one of the most dense cities or states in the world.”
– Vivian Balakrishnan (2022), on The Situation in Ukraine and its Implications
David Marshall on Refugees
“Are our sympathies then to remain of zero value and no concrete solution at all is to be found to assist these people?”
– David Marshall (1962), on Settling in Singapore of Refugees fleeing from China to Hong Kong
Louis Ng on Refugees
“I hope we remember that there are children involved in this, children who are now fatherless, motherless, families who are torn apart. I agree that we cannot accept the refugees here in Singapore, but I hope that the Singapore Government can do more.”
– Louis Ng Kok Kwang (2017), on Singapore’s response to refugee situation in Rakhine State in Myanmar
Heng Hui Mei on Refugees
“It struck me that people are dying there. You read about wars in history textbooks, this is not something that should happen in the modern age. It doesn’t matter how far they are, I am in a position to help, I should help.”
– Heng Hui Mei (2022), Little Beauties Bakes on Ukraine
Madeline Chan on Refugees
“When I was just starting out doing refugee work in 2019, I knew of only one or two people working in the same field in Singapore. But most of the people around me did not know anything about refugees.”
– Madeline Chan (2022), Founder of Mad Roaster
Hakim on Refugees
“One of my presumptions was that these people are poor because they aren’t hardworking, they aren’t smart and they don’t have the abilities that I do. […] When I began to work with them, I realised that wasn’t true.”
– Hakim (Dr Wee Teck Young) (2020)
Benjamin Williams on Refugees
“The combination of an active and bloody conflict, extreme cold weather and Covid-19 means that, for the people in the conflict regions and those who have been displaced from their homes (already exceeding one million), the days ahead will be a struggle for survival.”
– Benjamin Williams, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the Singapore Red Cross (2022)
Vivian Balakrishnan on Refugees (Again)
“Singaporeans do care. They do express their care. Whilst in the totality of it, we are probably a drop in the ocean, but I just wanted to commend the attitude that you have always espoused, in fact, is being practised. I would expect that more assistance will flow. And we will work together with the people sector on this.”
– Vivian Balakrishnan (2018), on Further help by ASEAN to resolve situation in Rakhine State
Yip Yew Chong on Refugees
“Regardless of geopolitics, everyone deserves peace and clear skies.”, Yip Yew Chong (Artist) (2022)
The compiled quotes span across decades (from 1962 to the present) and geography (Ukraine, Myanmar, Hong Kong), but all speak to refugee-related issues. It is important to consider each quote in its context (links provided for more information)
Advocates for Refugees Singapore
Advocates for Refugees Singapore (AFR-SG) is a volunteer-led ground up movement promoting the humane and dignified treatment of refugees and forcibly displaced persons in the Southeast Asia region. RAW is an annual campaign held in conjunction with World Refugee Day commemorated globally every June 20.
Connect with AFR-SG via Facebook, Instagram, Linktree or email (campaign.afrsg@gmail.com)
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