See the real me,

not just the refugee

6-12 June 2010

It is a special week each year

where we try to live simply and

think about how we

can share what we have

with others in need.

This year the focus is on

Refugees

What is Simply Sharing Week?

Photo Credit-Janet Cousens-Act for Peace

Who is a refugee?Refugees are people who have left their country as they are afraid of being persecuted because of their: -Race-Religion-Nationality-Social group they belong to-Political opinions

This persecution could include discrimination, injury, torture or death.

Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Act-Caritas

Fact: There are 15.2 million refugees worldwide

Bilel Camp Darfur - Credit-Edwyn Shiell-Act for Peace

Who is an asylum seeker?

Asylum seekers are those who have fled their own country and apply to the government of another country for protection as refugees.

Everyone has the right to seek asylum therefore it is not possible for someone to be an illegal asylum seeker.

Fact: As at 26 March 2010, there were 2,505 people in immigration detention in Australia

Asylum Seekers arriving in India from Sri Lanka Photo: UnitingWorld

Who is an internally displaced person (IDP)?

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are people forced to flee their homes but who, unlike refugees, remain within their country's borders.

Some reasons people become IDPs include armed conflict, violence and natural or human-made disasters.

Fact: There are 26 million internally displaced persons worldwide

Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Act-Caritas

Sudan to Australia- Achok’s journeyAchok is a single mother of two from Sudan.

Sadly, when she was just a child, she witnessed Government troops kill her father and bomb her village.

Achok and her sisters fled to Ethiopia and then to a refugee camp in Kenya.

“I was excited to be offered the opportunity to come to Australia. I wanted a chance to study, to work, and to have a better life.”

Photo: Alison Preston/AngliCORD

Achok has been in Australia for six years, but life here is also full of challenges.

“I am in the middle of two cultures, and it can be very confusing. I am Sudanese, but I want to be part of Australian culture.”

Achok says she is very aware of debates in the Australian media about refugees.

“I feel bad when I hear some news stories because many Australians don’t know or aren’t being told what these refugees have gone through.”

Photo: Alison Preston/AngliCORD

Achok is currently studying English full-time and hopes to get a better job to provide financial security for her family.

“I really want to do community health or welfare work. Since I was young I’ve always wanted to help people with their problems: people neglected by their families, people who are isolated.”

Although life is difficult for Achok, she is hopeful of a good future for her children and grateful to the many Australians who have helped her.

Photo: Alison Preston/AngliCORD

What are Australian Church Agencies doing?

Australian church agencies are assisting people who have been forced to flee their homes by providing:

•Water and Sanitation•Health and Nutrition•Psychosocial support•Peace building and Protection•Agriculture•School Support•Livelihood programs

Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Act-Caritas

A Prayer for RefugeesALMIGHTY and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry.Bless those who work to bring them relief;inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.(From The Church of England Prayers)

Simply Sharing Week is an educational activity of the international aid and development agencies of the Christian Churches of Australia.

For more information go to www.simplysharingweek.org.au or email ssw@caritas.org.au