By Awel Kasim
In a world where millions are forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, and instability, refugees often carry more than the weight of displacement—they also carry untold stories, silenced voices, and overlooked potential. As someone who has worked closely with refugee communities for many years, I have witnessed not only their struggles but also their strength, resilience, and profound insights.
Empowering refugee voices means more than simply offering aid—it means listening, understanding, and creating spaces where their perspectives shape policies, programs, and their own futures.
Why Refugee Voices Matter
Refugees are more than statistics. They are mothers, fathers, students, doctors, artists, and thinkers—each with a personal journey shaped by both trauma and hope. Yet too often, they are spoken about rather than spoken to. Genuine empowerment starts when we stop seeing refugees only as recipients of aid and start recognizing them as active agents of change.
From navigating UNHCR registration procedures to participating in Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews, refugees must engage with complex systems. In these moments, having their voices heard is critical—not only for accurate representation but for ensuring their rights are respected under international conventions.
The Role of Advocacy and Trust
Through my work in refugee advisory services, I’ve learned that trust is built through informed guidance and respectful communication. Many refugees face language barriers, fear of authority, or confusion about their legal rights. This is why effective translation and culturally sensitive counseling are essential.
Translating between Oromo, Amharic, and English, I’ve helped bridge gaps that go beyond words—facilitating understanding between individuals and institutions. And through counseling in areas like family relationships and child psychology, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional well-being strengthens voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Creating Platforms for Participation
Empowering refugee voices also means creating opportunities for leadership and storytelling. Refugees should be part of the conversations that shape policies affecting them. Whether through community forums, advisory boards, or storytelling platforms, we must invite their input not as a token gesture but as a central element of sustainable solutions.
Conclusion: From Silence to Strength
Empowerment begins when we create environments where refugees are seen, heard, and respected—not just as survivors but as contributors, advocates, and human beings. Let us work to ensure that refugee voices are not an afterthought but a driving force for dignity, inclusion, and lasting change.
Together, we can move from charity to justice—and from silence to strength.