Stories of 50 Refugees in Malaysia

To celebrate 50 years of Merdeka. Got this from Nat's blog. 50 life stories of refugees in Malaysia, escaping persecution in their home countries, and struggling to be recognized as UNHCR refugees (Malaysian Immigration Act does not differentiate refugees from illegal immigrants). Ages ranging from a few days old to 50s, coming from 3 different countries and of 10 different ethnicities. We are celebrating 50 years of Merdeka this year, with plenty of material progression. Yet, have we really progressed in terms of our humanity?

From the website:

As at June 2007, there are approximately 37,000 Refugees registered with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) in Malaysia. Many more are asylum seekers who have yet to achieve Refugee status. This website tells the stories of 50 of them. Aged from babies barely a month old to grandfathers and grandmothers in their 50s, theirs is a varied background, coming from 3 different countries and 10 different ethnicities. Theirs is a heartwrenching story of detention, abuse, fear, neglect, and humiliation. But these are stories of resilience, courage, hope and love as well. Read their stories here. People who are of your age, or of your children's age, or your parents'. Normal human beings, of flesh and blood, hopes and dreams, like you and me.