Refugees: what challenges do they face?

Every day, millions of people around the world make the hardest choice of all. They leave their country, facing uncertainty and hardship, in pursuit of the dream of a better, safer life. For a while, or for ever...

In their search for safety and dignity, refugees all over the world face immense challenges in their daily lives. Beyond the obvious hardship of leaving their home country and seeking refuge elsewhere, they must also overcome major obstacles. More than 89.3 million people worldwide have been forced to leave their country, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Of these, no fewer than 27 million refugees are under 18.

What is a refugee?

Before exploring the challenges refugees face, it is essential to understand clearly what the term "refugee" means. It is often confused with the term "migrant". According to the definition established by the United Nations, a migrant is "any person who has resided in a foreign country for more than one year, irrespective of the causes, voluntary or involuntary, and the means, regular or irregular, used to migrate".

In international law, the term "refugee" refers to a person who, if returned to their country of origin, has a "well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion". Ratified by 145 States, the 1951 Convention is a key legal document on the status of refugees. It defines refugee status and sets out the rights and responsibilities of displaced people, as well as those of States in ensuring their protection.

A refugee, then, is someone who has been forced to leave their country of origin, who has fled to save their life and who is seeking protection in another country. Refugees are people searching for safety, and for a chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and stable environment.

The reality for refugees is complex. In their host country, they face many challenges every single day.

The challenge of accessing education

According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 48% of refugee children are still out of school. Yet education is a fundamental right. It is enshrined in both the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.

Refugee children can face major obstacles in accessing quality education. Interrupted schooling, language and cultural barriers, and inadequate educational facilities in refugee camps or host communities can all stand in the way of a proper education.

Education is a powerful shield that protects refugee children and young people from forced labour, sexual exploitation and recruitment into armed groups. It gives them the skills they need to rebuild their lives and empowers refugees to stand on their own feet. It is the key that opens the door to a better future.

Access to employment

Finding work is a major challenge for refugees, who face many obstacles in their search for a fulfilling working life. Language barriers, cultural differences and complex employment systems can trap them in insecure, poorly paid jobs well below their skills.

Yet these talented, determined people long to contribute to the society that has welcomed them and to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Refugees: limited access to healthcare

Health is a fundamental human right, but refugees often struggle to access quality healthcare. Language barriers, the high cost of medical care and a lack of information about local health systems can all stand between them and essential care.

Precarious living conditions

Refugees often end up in overcrowded makeshift camps, unsanitary housing or slums. They are deprived of the most basic necessities, such as food, clean drinking water and proper sanitation. Every day is a fight for survival. Because every human being deserves to live with dignity, safety and hope, we work tirelessly to build a better future for all.

In Lebanon, at the Abu Ibrahim camp in the Akkar district in the north of the country, we have provided access to clean drinking water and latrines. This camp for Syrian refugees is home to 127 families living in 95 tents: 699 people in all. Lebanon hosts nearly 1.5 million Syrian refugees. But the country is going through a socio-economic crisis, its worst in decades. To help the government support them, the backing of NGOs like LIFE is vital. These families now enjoy better living conditions and have rediscovered joy and dignity.

By supporting their access to education, work, healthcare and decent living conditions, we choose solidarity, compassion and justice. Join us in this mission to build a more caring world. Together, we can make a difference and transform refugees' lives.