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Refugee facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A refugee is someone who has to leave their home country. They leave because it's no longer safe for them to stay there. This can be due to things like war, violence, or natural disasters. They might also be in danger because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.

Refugearmenian
An Armenian refugee woman with her son. (Armenian Genocide)
Darfur refugee camp in Chad
A refugee camp in Chad, linked to the Darfur conflict

Understanding What a Refugee Is

In 1951, the United Nations (UN) created an important law called the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. This law helps us understand who a refugee is. It says a refugee is a person who has a good reason to fear being treated badly because of their race, religion, nationality, or what social group or political opinion they belong to. They are outside their home country and cannot get protection from it.

Later, in 1967, this law was updated. It also started to include people who had to run away from war and violence in their country.

Asylum Seekers and Asylees

A person who is trying to be officially recognized as a refugee is called an asylum seeker. If an asylum seeker is accepted, especially in the United States, they are then known as an asylee.

Why Do People Become Refugees?

People become refugees for many different reasons. Often, it's because their home country is no longer a safe place for them.

  • Danger and Conflict: It might not be safe to stay because of war, civil unrest, or other kinds of violence.
  • Natural Disasters: Sometimes, people have to leave due to big natural disasters like terrible floods or famine (when there isn't enough food).
  • Persecution: They might be treated unfairly or harmed because of who they are, their beliefs, or their background. This is called persecution.
  • Economic Hardship: In some cases, people cannot earn enough money to live or support themselves and their families.
  • Forced Removal: People might be forced to leave their homes by their government or other groups.
  • Religious Reasons: Sometimes, people are forced to leave because of their religion.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Refugiado para niños

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