The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted a "Refugee Voices from Southeast Asia: Commemorating Refugee Day" workshop on 26 June 2024. This event was a collaborative initiative involving the Centre on Gender and Forced Displacement (CGFD)/Gender and Development Studies at AIT; Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS); and Asylum Access, Thailand (AAT).
The workshop highlighted the rising number of forcibly displaced individuals globally, driven by factors like natural disasters, climate change, environmental degradation, development-induced displacement, resource crisis, persecution, and conflicts. It critically examined the international refugee system's ability to manage these displacements, the migration trends, extended conflicts, and the issue of prolonged homelessness.
A significant focus was placed on analyzing current refugee policies through the lens of the refugees' lived experiences, the challenges they face during displacement, and their strategies for survival and coping. The discussions specifically targeted the Southeast Asian scenario, noting that most asylum seekers in the region are from Myanmar, with only the Philippines and Cambodia among ASEAN nations having acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol.
The workshop provided a platform for exchanging expertise and experiences, with contributions from forced migration specialists and first-hand accounts from refugees, presented through audio and visual means. The event also featured an academic session where speakers delved into issues related to forced migration, offering perspectives from various refugee groups, including the Rohingya. This was complemented by a round-table discussion with diverse stakeholders. Moreover, the event included an exhibition of photographs and stalls showcasing refugee handicrafts, art forms, and cuisine, celebrating refugee culture.
Professor Paula Banerjee, IDRC Endowed Research Chair and Director of CGFD, highlighted the daily struggles and resilience of refugees. "Every day should acknowledge refugees. They endure immense hardships and neglect. We empathize with their struggles and trust their narratives. While often seen as victims, refugees demonstrate courage, fortitude, and an indomitable spirit. A refugee woman can be a mother, sister, skilled nurse, teacher, and advocate. We salute them on this Refugee Day," she remarked.
The workshop served as a forum for discussing critical issues affecting refugees and as a celebration of their contributions to society, fostering a deeper understanding and support for their plight in Southeast Asia.
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