Today is World Refugee Day, the international day to honor people who have been forced to flee their homes, lives, and families due to things like war, natural disasters, or political instability.

It’s more important than ever to recognize the resilience of people who have been forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave home. Right now, 1 of every 67 people on earth have made the courageous choice to leave behind their homes, livelihoods, and communities for thier own safety. Let’s look into some myths about refugees and see the lives behind the labels. Because a “refugee” is really a person just like us. They are our brothers, sisters, parents, and friends–our neighbors. And they need our help.

Myth #1: That most refugees flock to wealthy, Western countries.

THE TRUTH — Think again. A staggering 71% of the world’s displaced populations are hosted in low and middle-income countries. For example, Türkiye and Colombia are among the top hosts.

Venezuelan migrant Morelba Franco embraces Martin, a Medical Teams staff member, in her home.
Venezuelan migrant Morelba Franco embraces Martin, a Medical Teams staff member, in her home.

Myth #2: That most refugees are adults.

THE TRUTH — Just under half the world’s refugees are children. They face increased vulnerabilities, from malnutrition to lack of health care. It’s a young crisis, not just an adult one.

A baby receiving an injectable vaccine in Sudan.
A baby receiving an injectable vaccine in Sudan.

Myth #3: That refugees could go home, but they choose not to.

THE TRUTH — Home may be where the heart is, but it’s also most likely where danger lies. Refugees like Victoria from Ukraine yearn to return home but can’t until it’s safe. It’s not a matter of choice; it’s a matter of life and death.

“I don’t think I really understood what home really meant until it was taken from me. I didn’t really understand the concept of ‘homeland,’ but once it was gone, I knew exactly what I was missing,” Victoria shared.

 

Victoria Medviedieva, 30, with Dimitri, 2 in Ukraine.
Victoria Medviedieva, 30, with her son Dimitri, 2.

Myth #4: That people willingly leave their homes for greener pastures. 

THE TRUTH — It’s not a vacation; it’s a desperate escape. War, religious persecution, and life-threatening conflicts force people to abandon their homes. Mwalibola, for instance, fled the Democratic republic of Congo after rebels kidnapped her husband. It’s a life-or-death decision, not a leisurely move.

A line of patients waiting outside of a Refugee Children's Clinic in Tanzania.
A line of patients waiting outside of a Refugee Children’s Clinic in Tanzania.

Myth #5: That “refugee”, “migrant”, and “displaced person” are interchangeable. 

THE TRUTH — Each term has a distinct legal status. Refugees are forced to leave due to life-threatening circumstances. Migrants leave for economic reasons. Internally displaced persons remain within their country’s borders.

Internally displaced mother Fatima and her son Ramadan receiving care at a Medical Teams clinic in Gedaref after fleeing from violence in Khartoum, Sudan.
Internally displaced mother Fatima and her son Ramadan receiving care at a Medical Teams clinic in Gedaref after fleeing from violence in Khartoum, Sudan.

Myth #6: There is nothing you can do to help.

THE TRUTH — Your generosity can be a lifeline. By joining the Pulse, our community of monthly donors, you can provide ongoing support for refugees all over the world.

Minani Janeth smiles while holding her twin babies in a clinic in Tanzania
Refugee mother Minani Janeth smiles while holding her twin babies in a clinic in Tanzania. Photo by Suhaila Stanthon Thawer.

 

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To learn more about forcibly displaced people, visit the UNHCR’s global statistics dashboard for refugees, internally displaced people, and asylum-seekers HERE.