Migrations and refugees
Let's deconstruct prejudices and stereotypes about migrations.
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Can we treat refugees differently depending on their origin? (War in Ukraine)
The war in Ukraine has led many Ukrainians to flee their country and seek asylum in Europe, in order to be recognised as refugees. They have generally been well received in European countries. I am very happy about this. But at the same time, I wonder why not all refugees receive such a warm welcome? It seems that refugees are treated differently depending on their origin. It took me some time to speak out on the subject of the war in Ukraine. This appalling situation left me speechless. I also hesitated before publishing this article because it is a hot topic and can be controversial. But then I…
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What Are the Basic Material Needs of Human Beings?
You may have already heard about the basic needs of human beings, notably through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It is a subject that can be found in the fields of psychology and personal development. It is indeed important to become aware of one’s basic needs in order to develop oneself. But before we thrive, we must satisfy our basic material needs: food, shelter, clothing and health care. But are these needs fundamental rights? That’s all we are going to see in this article! Basic needs, from personal growth to human rights What is a need? A need is a total or partial lack of something fundamental…
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Living Abroad: Experiencing Culture Shock
“When you arrive in a city, you see streets in perspective. A series of buildings without meaning. Everything is unknown, blank. Later on, you will have walked along these streets, you will have been to the end of the perspectives, you will have known these buildings, you will have lived stories with people. When you will have lived in this city, you will have taken this street ten, twenty, a thousand times. At the end of the day, it belongs to you because you have lived there.” L’Auberge espagnole (Pot Luck / The Spanish Apartment), Xavier. The art of being a foreigner abroad and in your own country…
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What Is the Integration of Migrants? – Acculturation Strategies
The “integration” of migrants. Here is an expression we hear almost everywhere. Initially a sociological phenomenon, it has become a commonplace. It is sometimes used indiscriminately in the media and in political discourse. Overused. Emptied of its meaning. Integration. It is one of the issues that come up most often when we talk about migration. This is the mission of the Maltese NGO in which I was involved for some time. Its mission is reflected in its own name: Integra Foundation. Public opinion seems to agree that the “migrant” must “integrate”, whether it is “pro” or “anti” migration. But, in the end, what is integration? Is it…
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Migrant or Refugee? Differences and Definitions
“Migrant”, “refugee”, “undocumented person”. These terms are often misused, causing confusion. But it is essential to know what we are talking about. There are various terms that refer to different situations and statuses. Defining them allows us to better understand migration phenomena, avoid confusion and fight against the misinformation that is spreading on the subject. Here are the definitions of the main terms used in the media and in speeches about migration. What is a migrant? Definition A migrant is a person who leaves his or her usual place of residence and settles temporarily or permanently in another region or country. The term “migrant”, as defined…
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I Dream of a Better World
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” Steve Jobs Utopia. I discovered this concept and this literary genre during my school years, as a teenager. It immediately captivated the idealist and dreamer in me. Originally, “utopia” means “(which is) in no place”. By extension, a utopia is considered an ideal that is deemed unattainable. I dream of a better world. From the start, this dream sounds like a sweet utopia. People will blame me for not being down-to-earth, for being unrealistic. We live in a world where idealism and utopia are equated with naivety. And…
