Refugee Camp

For safety reason I’m not going to mention the name of the camp or where it is, I don’t think you can ever be too careful : ) as recent experience has taught me!

Visiting the camp was a bit of juxtaposition of feelings; on one hand it was extremely insightful to get a rare glimpse into the plight of a refugee but it was devastating to see first-hand human beings living with no sense of basic human freedoms.

The Camp Director, although happy to talk to us, painted a picture of a happy secure place where issues are quickly resolved. Maybe it’s cynicism on my part, but it was difficult to believe. He was guarded with the information he gave us, although our questions were answered with a smile, albeit unspecific answers.

However, our tour of the camp did change some of my initial misgivings. Unlike the majority of refugee camps I’ve read about, seen on the television etc. this camp was spacious (as much as rows of UNHCR tents can be) and the facilities seemed adequate. We were given a tour of the new toilets, the school and the medical clinic. Teaches are residents who have previously taught in their home country and are given an ‘allowance,’ for their work. The children are obviously taught in their mother tongue, but surprisingly are not given any lessons in the local languages of the country they are seeking asylum in. As the camp aims to become a permanent home (with proper housing) for many of the residents I found this a little surprising. Despite having no means of earning money or limited chances of leaving the camp, we did see a few small stores (selling food, clothing etc.). When questioned as to where the supplies come from, our guide just laughed and shrugged, explaining that sometimes things just get smuggled in.

Despite the shiny exterior and positivity of those we talked too, it is somewhat frightening to see people so deprived of their freedom – a basic human right. Residents are not allowed to leave the camp unless they have prior permission, and even then have to explain where they are going (although clearly this is easy to manipulate). Our guide told us he had no idea what had happened to his family and he did not ever want to go home. He openly talked with us and told us he wanted to urge people to learn from the situation in his home country and to strive for safe elections.

The residents are forbidden from expressing any political preferences and there are no religious services of any kind. Presumably this is to stop fighting between what is a large group of people from dozens of different ethnic and tribal groups.

It was definitely a sobering experience and one which I think others need to see, if only to draw more attention to what is a devastating way to live.