Refugees from Violence

The violent response of the Assad regime brought about the Syrian Civil War that has left more than 220,000 dead, half of them civilians. Other than the rising death toll, a far bigger problem has ensued: mass displacement. Four million people crossed the borders, while 7.6 million are internally displaced. In total, 12.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of the war in Syria.

The number is staggering, and if the photos could speak, these should be screaming through everyone’s conscience: a dead child washed ashore, men climbing over barbed wires and mothers with children running for their lives while being chased by border guards.

Along with refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan, the influx of people from Syria wanting to find decency in living, education for their children and freedom from violence has reached a crisis level that the rest of the world cannot simply ignore.

The United Nations has its hands tied because as media focuses their attention on the Arab refugees, it has to address as well other refugees including Palestinians (4.8 million), Somalis (700,000), Congolese (456,000), Myamarese (407,000), Colombians (390,000) and Sudanese (370,000).

While films romanticize the lives of refugees, the horrors and fears of those affected are in real time. Powerful statements and heated debates in august halls and press conferences can help. But more important than lip service is tending to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the helpless in ground zero.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared, “Refugees have been deprived of their homes, but they must not be deprived of their futures.” If I may add, refugees must not be denied of the present.

We commend the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and volunteers for doing their best to address the plight of refugees..

What can one individual do to help? Offer your prayers. Donate to humanitarian organizations.  Lend your voice for governments to take in more refugees.  And for those where the refugees are seeking sanctuary, open your homes.

For we, brethren, are God’s servants, and we must do what He would do to the least of our brothers: defend the helpless and the needy in distress. “For You have been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; For the breath of the ruthless Is like a rain storm against a wall.” (Isaiah 25:4)