A Somali Refugees Hope

Somalia or known as the ‘Horn of Africa’ is a country where the majority of Muslims. From 1988 until now, civil war conflict has claimed more than 300,000 lives. As a result many civilians became refugees. According to UNHCR, there are currently 3.7 million Somalis need humanitarian assistance as a result of conflict and food crisis. Most refugees escape to neighboring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia.

In Malaysia, a total of 1,090 Somali refugees registered with UNHCR. Most of them are borne by relatives abroad to finance the cost of living. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) helps refugees to build a school for these children acquire formal education. The teaching staff consists of refugees themselves and Somali students who studying in Malaysia.

According one of the refugees, Aden Ali Semale, in Malaysia, we heard explosions of firecrackers at festivals, but if in Somalia awakened by explosions of bombs and bullets just surrender to fate. He expressed his gratitude for this country is in a state of peace and hope it continues forever.  -The New Straits Times/Adi Safri

A Somali women poses for photograph during her visiting relatives at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali children are listening to the teacher lecture at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur, August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee with his mother as she waiting for dinner at a small aprtment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali children are listening to the teacher lecture at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur, August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee study while waiting his teacher at a small apertment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee prays during a class at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

Somali refugees take a rest before doing daily activities at a small apertment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee, Ismahan Sheikh Osman make some food for dinner. She who loses her husband is believed to died in war have to share a room with her eight children at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee, Ismahan Sheikh Osman have a leisure time with her children in a room. She who loses her husband is believed to died in war have to share a room with her eight children at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

Somali refugees mingling together while visiting to their relatives at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

A Somali refugee, Ismahan Sheikh Osman have a leisure time with her children in a room. She who loses her husband is believed to died in war have to share a room with her eight children at a small apartment in Kuala Lumpur August 21, 2013

Refugees in Malaysia

Refugee is a one who is outside his/her country and unable to return for fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. As of Sept 30, 2010, there are 90,229 refugee and mostly from Myanmar. The Malaysian Government does not legally recognise refugees, as such they are considered as undocumented migrants. Authorities such as the Immigration Department, Police and RELA often conduct raids to arrest undocumented migrant.

No matter how difficult life is here, it is still better than returning to their country to face the risk of persecution and often, death. Only someone in fear would tolerate such conditions.

A children of refugee from Sri Lankan take a meal  during launch campaign “142 are state parties. It is time for Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur May 8, 2011.

A children of refugee from Myanmar take a part during launch campaign “142 are state parties. It is time for Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur May 8, 2011.

A children of  Shan refugee dancing during launch campaign “142 are state parties. It is time for Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur May 8, 2011.

A children of refugee from Chin Falam take a part during launch campaign “142 are state parties. It is time for Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur May 8, 2011.

A children of refugee from Sri Lankan prepared for performance during launch campaign “142 are state parties. It is time for Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur May 8, 2011.

Photo by Adi Safri