The topic of who can become a refugee is no longer hidden; it’s a well-discussed matter. Almost anyone can find themselves in that position in just a day. This is the reason why we need to be deliberate to assist refugees because we can become one someday.

Millions of Ukrainians, for instance, didn’t anticipate needing refuge in different countries.

The escalation of wars and conflicts is leading to alarming rates of violent deaths and attacks on human lives.

Consequently, assisting refugees is not merely a humanitarian duty but a display of basic humanity. Offering support has evolved into a way of envisioning that others might do the same for us if unexpected challenges arise in our own countries.

Climate change, from droughts to famine, is another significant factor driving global migration.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) notes that the number of forcibly displaced individuals has reached a record high, with over 100 million forced to flee their homes due to conflicts and persecution.

Millions of refugees and displaced people from places like Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine are facing incredibly difficult moments in their lives.

Your support can make a difference by saving lives, upholding human rights, and ensuring that resettled refugees can look forward to brighter futures.

There are countless ways to lend your support. This article outlines a few ways you can make a difference.

Donate things and money

Many people often assume that donations solely involve giving money.

While monetary contributions are a part of donations, they’re not the only way to help.

The UNHCR serves as a primary organization, registering and providing shelter, food, water, and protection for countless refugee families. It’s a great option for financial donations, but there are also numerous other humanitarian groups tirelessly aiding refugees.

These include the Jesuit Refugee Service, the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and many more.

On their respective websites, you can donate funds or essential relief supplies.

In some cases, cash assistance is provided to vulnerable families. Even small amounts can make a significant impact on the lives of these distressed individuals.

Donate time to volunteer

Giving assistance doesn’t always have to follow the expected path, as many believe that help can only come in the form of money.

Volunteerism is a growing trend these days and has proven to be highly rewarding.

This can take various forms, such as visiting refugee families in urban or rural communities, spending quality time with them, or offering your skills at a local or international organization within your city.

Beyond the few organizations mentioned earlier, numerous non-governmental organizations operate in our neighborhoods or towns.

On a personal note, I dedicated nearly 6 years to volunteering at both local and international organizations.

In Malaysia, I served as a public relations assistant at Sameskies, an organization supporting refugees from various countries.

My contributions included managing social media posts and creating leadership training content for specific projects.

Many organizations now offer opportunities for online volunteerism, so physical travel isn’t always necessary.

While some, like the UN, provide compensation for your time, others may request your services on a voluntary basis.

Assist refugees by advocating for their rights

Assisting refugees in these ways involves two approaches.

Firstly, you can become part of the global community by collaborating with elected officials and community leaders to safeguard the rights of refugees. This effort can lead to their warm reception in your community.

This might entail composing policy documents or making in-person visits.

Others contribute by sharing refugee-related content on social media, which can involve reposting stories from refugee organizations or crafting blogs like this one to shed light on their challenges.

Assist refugees by offering your space

In the end, even after their arduous journey to safety, refugees continue to require our assistance. We can assist refugees in many ways.

You have the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to newcomers in your community by providing shelter, offering support, or even helping them find employment.

While this might carry a personal touch for many, you can also spread awareness about their stories and seek out volunteer and sponsorship chances in your vicinity to aid refugee families.

For more refugee stories, click here.