WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REFUGEE AND A MIGRANT?
The terms “refugees” and “migrants” are frequently used either interchangeably or in close association. It is common to see, for example, reference to “migrants and refugees” in a policy statement. Rarely, however, is there any indication that there is recognition that the two words refer to very different groups of people. Refugees As outlined above, refugees are people who have been forced to leave their countries because they have been persecuted. Rarely do refugees have the chance to make plans for their departure: to pack their belongings, to say farewell to their friends and families… Some refugees have to flee with no notice, taking with them only the clothes on their backs. Others, like the family that pretends to be going on a weekend break, have to keep their plans a secret from all around them in case they are discovered. Refugees often have little idea about where they are going. They are running away, not running to. Those who come to Australia often have scant understan
