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Down The Empathy Lane
By Alishba Haider
An internally displaced child from the northern provinces of Afghanistan sleeps in a public park in Kabul. (Reuters)
Problems faced by the refugees worldwide:
(excluding Pakistan, which will be discussed in the final sequence.)
Preface:
IN IRAN:
Legal Uncertainties: Afghan refugees in Iran often face legal uncertainties and restrictions, including limited access to work permits, education, and healthcare.
Exploitation and Abuse: Afghan refugees, especially undocumented ones, are at risk of exploitation and abuse by employers, landlords, and others.
Lack of Integration: Many Afghan refugees in Iran feel a lack of integration into Iranian society due to cultural and linguistic barriers, as well as discrimination.
Children at Risk: Afghan refugee children are particularly vulnerable to child labor, neglect, and lack of access to education.
Statelessness: Some Afghan refugees in Iran face statelessness, which means they are not recognized as citizens of any country, leading to severe limitations in their rights and access to services.
IN TURKEY:
Temporary Protection Status: Afghan refugees in Turkey are granted temporary protection status, which limits their ability to work, access education, and integrate into Turkish society.
Limited Access to Services: Afghan refugees often face difficulties in accessing essential services, such as healthcare, education, and legal aid, due to language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles.
Social Isolation: Many Afghan refugees in Turkey feel isolated and excluded from Turkish society due to cultural and linguistic differences.
Xenophobia and Discrimination: Afghan refugees in Turkey sometimes face xenophobia and discrimination from local communities, making it difficult for them to find employment, housing, and education.
Exploitation in the Labor Market: Some Afghan refugees are exploited in the labor market, working in low-paid and dangerous jobs with limited rights and protections.
IN EUROPE:
Seeking Asylums: Many Afghan refugees who seek asylum in European countries face long and uncertain asylum procedures, leaving them in a state of limbo, unable to work, access education, or plan for the future.
Integration Challenges: Afghan refugees who are granted asylum often struggle to integrate into European societies due to language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination.
Anti-Immigrant Sentiments: Some Afghan refugees in Europe experience anti-immigrant sentiments and hostility from certain segments of the population.
Family Separation: The separation of families during the asylum process is a major concern for Afghan refugees, as many have fled their country with the hope of reuniting with loved ones.
Radicalization Risks: Some Afghan refugees, particularly young men, may be at risk of radicalization due to feelings of alienation, discrimination, and a lack of opportunities.
IN NORTH AMERICA:
Resettlement Challenges: refugees who are resettled in North America often face challenges in adjusting to a new culture, language, and way of life.
Limited Support Services: Some Afghan refugees may have difficulty accessing support services, such as language training, job placement assistance, and cultural orientation programs, which can hinder their integration into society.
Social Isolation: Afghan refugees in North America may experience social isolation due to cultural differences, language barriers, and discrimination.
Trauma and Mental Health Issues: Many Afghan refugees have experienced trauma during their flight and resettlement, leading to mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Economic Disparities: Some Afghan refugees face economic disparities and poverty, making it difficult for them to achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Enayatullah Azad/NRC