Group+5+(period+one)

Handout 5.3A to 5.3B

these two handouts are about a family that had to leave Afghanistan after the war with the soviet union. after the soviets left there was a massive power struggle between the remaining war lords. the khaterzais family left Kabul after an RPG round hit the upper level of their house. no one was hurt because the family was on the ground floor. the family consisted of a couple, the wife being 7 month pregnant, and their young child. they hitch hiked there way to try and get to Pakistan, where the taliban were at the borders.

Refugees in Afghanistan

A refugee is somebody who has been displaced from their home for economic, political, and social reasons. War, religious persecution, and famine are three of many reasons why refugees seek refuge. Sometimes refugees are not able to return to their country, because of their government will not protect them. Although everybody is entitled to have their human rights, refugees are often exposed to human rights abuses. The country where the refugee escaped to, usually protects refugees against prejudice/discrimination and religious persecution. They give them work rights, education/relief, and housing. The definition of a refugee is often confused with the definition of an Internally Displaced Person (IDP). A refugee //leaves// the country whereas the IDP flees to a //different part// of the country. Different refugees make different decisions that concern their future. Some choose to stay in the country they seek refuge in. Depending on the counrtry, it is possible that they may stay if the country allows them citizenship. If the country is under developed then it is likely that the refugee will not be able to become a citizen. Some refugees wish to go back to their country, but only when things calm down. It may take many years for things to stabilize back home.