Press Release Jiyan Foundation’s Recommendations for Communities Welcoming Refugees

New York (April 26, 2022) – Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights has worked for two decades with refugees and survivors of war violence. These recommendations to communities around the globe currently welcoming and hosting refugees, including the millions who are fleeing Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East are based on the organization’s experience in supporting survivors of war, genocide, terrorism. trafficking, and human rights violations.

“Jiyan Foundation is committed to providing intercultural dialogue and platforms to break down barriers and promote peace,” said Jiyan Foundation spokesperson Joshua Governale. “For many, the horrors of war seemed like very distant occurrences but now we have seen that violence can happen any time at any place; all of us need to show humanity and start a long overdue conversation on what we can do to help our fellow human beings. A reminder to all of us that, no matter where we come from, we can all use some help and kindness.”

The seven recommendations offered by the Jiyan Foundation are:

1. Patience – language can often be a barrier when coming to a new country. Speak clearly and be patient when communicating with new guests. English is often their second, or third, language.
2. Listen – every person’s story is different, don’t assume that what you’ve heard or read about the refugee’s situation applies to every individual. Everyone’s journey is different.
3. Help –  tech-savvy? Know how to get around? Offer help with what you’re good at and don’t overextend yourself. New apps, maps, and grocery stores can be tough to navigate but having a friend who is good at one specific thing can be a relief to any newcomer.
4. Respect – give others space. Some refugees may be very happy to share their experiences, others may not. Respect their privacy like you would anyone else.
5. Courtesy – don’t introduce your new friends as your “refugee friends”, just the same way you may feel uncomfortable being referred to as an outsider, so might they.
6. Participate – celebrating holidays, events and throwing a party may help our guests to feel at home. Don’t be shy, ask about their culture and if invited, join in their festivities.
7. Learn – be open-minded. Wherever our new guests are from they probably have something interesting to offer. Sit back and expand your own horizons.

For more information about Jiyan Foundation please visit our landing page on www.Jiyan.org

About Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights: 

Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights is a charitable organization supporting survivors of human rights violations, defending fundamental freedoms, and promoting democratic values throughout the world. Our programs provide mental health, medical treatment, and other support services to survivors of trauma, terror, domestic violence, and human rights violations. 

Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights US supports 9 treatment centers, a clinic for Yazidi women and families, a Healing Garden and mobile teams helping survivors in 11 refugee and IDP camps and nine regions throughout Kurdistan, Iraq, & Syria. Since 2005 these programs have supported over 100,000 survivors of trauma, terror, domestic violence, and human rights violations in the region.