The Asylum Seeker and Refugee

What is a refugee?

A refugee, according to the United Nations is a person who ‘owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.’ The UN says there are over 40 million refugees in the world.

Our globalised world affirms the gospel insight that all, without exception, are to be considered our neighbours. How might we reach out to those who have lost their home and land, their livelihood and their network of support? How might we be neighbour?

Crossing the bridge

A number of Good Samaritan Sisters work with asylum seekers and refugees. One Good Sam uses the image of ‘crossing the bridge’ in order to enter the world and concerns of the one who seeks refuge:

“I have been so enriched as I share their meals, hear the stories, and assist them with English. They have taught me so much… their courage, respect and gratitude. It has been my privilege to cross the bridge and to be welcomed firstly by Vietnamese boat people in a refugee camp when I lived in Japan and then by Australian street people.”