Refuge Canada

No one chooses to be a refugee, but anyone can become a refugee. A refugee is a person who must flee their home for fear of persecution, violence or even death. Refugees experience a loss of dignity, home, livelihood and security. 

For many refugees, some aspects of their identity may have made them a target for persecution — including race, religion, nationality, political beliefs or sexual orientation.  

Refugees are forced to make difficult choices in the face of violence and fear. Fear can break the bonds between family members, friends and neighbours. Many refugees also have to deal with the profound grief of losing loved ones.  

Refugees are often responding to physical danger when they make a choice to flee. By air, land or water, refugees leave their homes, often beginning risky and secret journeys in ways that test their courage and determination. These escapes can make them vulnerable to exploitation.