Why do refugees flee?
But for many of the South African victims of these xenophobic attacks, this is the second time they have to flee. First from their country of origin, and now to churches and police stations dotted around Gauteng. What would make you pack up a few belongings and flee from home? Unthinkable? Its a reality for thousands of people. And because of their circumstances, refugees are much more vulnerable to both viral and bacterial diseases and mental disorders than other people are. The reasons people are driven from their homes include wars, persecution, famine, drought, floods and other natural disasters, and environmental degradation. In areas torn apart by civil war, refugees leave their home country to seek safety outside its borders. The following also plays a significant role: fear of being persecuted due to religious beliefs, race, nationality, political opinions or belonging to a certain social group. Many refugees do not leave their home countries, though. They are called internally
