Refugee Meaning

UK /ˌrɛfjuˈdʒiː/
US /ˌrɛfjʊˈdʒiː/
Word Definition
refugee meaning

Refugee Definition & Usage

noun

A person who has been forced to flee their country due to war, violence, or persecution and is seeking refuge in another country.

Examples

  • "The refugees fled their war-torn country and crossed the border into neighboring nations."
  • "After the political unrest, thousands of refugees sought asylum in the United States."
  • "The camp was overcrowded with refugees from various parts of the world."
  • "Humanitarian organizations are providing aid to refugees who have lost everything in the conflict."
  • "Refugees are often denied access to basic services, making their lives even more difficult."

Cultural Context

The concept of refugees has been a central issue in international law, politics, and humanitarian work, especially since World War II. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is tasked with overseeing the protection and welfare of refugees globally. Wars, civil conflicts, and human rights abuses continue to be primary causes of forced migration. The term 'refugee' is often discussed in the context of international asylum laws and resettlement programs.

The Journey of Refuge

Story

The Journey of Refuge

In the heart of a small village, Maria sat with her children in a dimly lit room, staring at the map of a world they no longer recognized. Her husband had been taken in the night by soldiers, and she had heard nothing from him since. Fearing for their safety, she packed what little they could carry and set off, joining a stream of people fleeing the same fate. Their destination was uncertain, but they knew they had no choice but to leave. The roads were long and treacherous, and the journey fraught with danger. Along the way, they encountered others who had fled their homes for similar reasons: families, individuals, and the elderly, all driven by fear and desperation. They were refugees, seeking a safe haven in a world that seemed to have forgotten them. The refugee camp they arrived at was overcrowded and chaotic, but it was better than the alternative. Here, for the first time in weeks, Maria felt a glimmer of hope. But the reality of being a refugee was far from easy. With limited resources, Maria had to navigate the bureaucratic maze of asylum applications and live in constant uncertainty. As her children played in the camp, she thought about the life they had lost and the uncertain future ahead of them. But amidst the hardship, they were alive, and for now, that was enough. She dreamed of a day when they could rebuild their lives, free from fear, free to be just a family again.

The Journey of Refuge