When we hear about refugees in the news, on social media, or in politics, it can feel abstract and factual. Often, we forget that these facts are about people. This video gallery gives a voice to the experiences they went through, which are often very similar.
Themes
Here are similarities in the journeys of people who had to leave their country behind:
- Forced to Flee
- Early life & Identity
- Journey to Japan
- Asylum Process and Bureaucracy
- Detention
- The challenges of starting anew in Japan
- Acts of Hope
- Faith and resilience
- Dreams for the Future
Forced to Flee
In international law, the word “refugee” has a precise origin and meaning. The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951) describes a refugee as someone who is outside their country and has a well-founded fear.
“owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.”
This video gallery brings those legal words back to their human meaning. Through short personal testimonies, it shows what “well‑founded fear” can look like in real life: loss, threats, punishment, and violence.
“I had to leave when my colleague died”
Christopher – Cameroon
Nationality – He created a Trade Union for the Anglophone minority in Cameroon, against the wishes of the government
They said: ‘Okay, if Gabriel ever returns to Nigeria. He will be a dead man for ignoring our holy Quran.'”
Gabriel – Nigeria
Religion – He wrote a book from a Christian viewpoint, disregarding the Quran. The terrorist group Boko Haram wants him dead because of this.
“In Tunesia, you know, there is jail for gay people.”
Nahed – Tunisia
Social Group – In her country of origin, she could face jail for loving who she loves.
“So from there I was disappeared around 6 months. I don’t know where which place, but with a lot of torture.”
Sunday – Uganda
Political Opinion – He opposed Museveni. Therefore, he was arrested and tortured.
“Then I told my mum like ‘We’re leaving’. ‘No, It’s like,’ ‘there is no discussion about that.'”
Yasser – Syria
Political Opinion – Syrians wanted change but opposing Assad’s regime forced many such as Yasser to flee.
Detention
“what crime did i commit to go on detention?”
Christopher – Cameroon
Faith & Resilience
“We are assured of protection against all dangers and all diseases. So, I do that every day.”
Gabriel – Nigeria
“‘If you trust me, I will protect you.’ This is the kind of words that keep me moving.”
James – Cameroon
“He wants to do good for you in the future”
