Major
Political Science
Second Major
French
Minor(s)
philosophy
Advisor
Karen De Bruin
Advisor Department
English Language Studies
Date
5-2020
Keywords
Refugee; humanitarian actions; NGO's; Integration; Sustainable solutions, independence
Abstract
The world can be a dangerous place. The news constantly reminds us that violent attacks continue to cast a pall over the planet and inflict pain and suffering on the world’s population. Research from the UNHCR shows that every two seconds that passes is marked by one person being forcibly displaced as a result of a conflict or persecution. This has led to a drastic increase in the number of refugees around the world. Amnesty International reported 25.9 million refugees globally as for 2019, the world's highest level ever recorded. Given this reality humanitarian actions and services are more than ever a necessity. Several NGOs attempt to help victims of war forced to leave their home countries. But to what extent do these actions actually manage to help a refugee become a self-fulfilled individual, cleared from his/her fear of persecution and suffering? Are the socalled “sustainable solutions” provided by humanitarian NGOs enough to ensure a reliable future for the average refugee? What happens to the refugee after he/she no longer gets NGO support? To answer all my questions, I have conducted research, analyzing surveys and other data explaining how NGOs try to help refugees. I have also interviewed refugees at The DORCAS Institute of Providence, Rhode Island, and spoke to other refugees who are no longer supported by NGOs. To add to this research, I go in depth about my personal story of being a refugee myself, who has survived two civil wars at a very young age. I talk about my experience being supported by NGOs, and what I have become today in my new home: the United States. This project is significant because its long-term goal is to create a project plan for an NGO that will fight for the effective reinsertion of refugees into society. Through the risky experiences of my life, I developed an interest in this global crisis. I wanted to know more about what it meant to be a refugee, the causes, and the consequences. I especially felt the need to research the role and impact of NGOs in the life of a refugee. Not only did I want to learn more about these questions, I became intrigued in knowing whether humanitarian actions truly improve an average refugee’s life or not? Most importantly when and how does one stop being characterized as a refugee? By the end of this project, I will be able to help a lot of refugee like myself see a light at the end of a dark tunnel.