The community are facing possible forced repatriation to Myanmar due to a policy change by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Photo: The Chin Up Project)
More than 50 ethnic Myanmar Chin refugees of all ages and backgrounds were asked, “Where do you see yourself in 2020?” They were quick to reveal their hopes, dreams and ambitions, from finding good careers to settling in a conflict-free country.
The Chin Up Project features conversations with ethnic Chin refugees in Malaysia. The videos are produced by a young refugee, with support from a coalition of independent refugee advocate organisations.
Faced with possible forced repatriation to Myanmar owing to a policy change by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), those interviewed expressed what they long for.
“I really wish that my whole family can have dinner together in one place,” says Abawi, 16.
“It can only happen if we Chin people can still hold UNHCR cards because without them, we cannot resettle in another country,” adds his sister, Thuzar, 18. Their family was separated nine years ago and some members have been resettled in the US.
You can help make the siblings’ dream come true. Watch the videos, share your favourite interviews and use a social sharing tool to send a pre-written email to the UNHCR and various other bodies to request them to reverse the cessation process for Chin refugees and create a framework for integrating them and other asylum seekers into Malaysian society, especially those who have lived in the country for years.
'The Chin Up Project' is a collaboration between the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR), Dignity for Children, Fugee School, Global Shepherds, Malaysian Care, Malaysian Social Research Institute (Sahabat Refugee Project), R.AGE, Refuge For The Refugees and YLDC by Fondacio.
