Making them feel home requires much more than a space to live
MAPLE, CANADA: This letter is in reference to the article published on December 13, entitled, “Italy’s Muslims celebrate Christmas to calm integration fears.” With socioeconomic crisis and geopolitical reasons, a number of refugees are to be accommodated in various countries of the world. Those countries that have accepted these refugees will not regret their decision. The refugees will do their part in helping their rescue country move forward. Their assimilation in the main fabric of their new country’s societies will actually accentuate their diversity. Multiculturalism the world over is enriching and benefitting cultures and economies.
The family of Alina, discussed in the news article cited, is not satisfied and hence her transition would not be called integration in any way. Integration is a two-way process; it is a condition where a person is welcomed with open arms and when a person feels that he or she will not be robbed of his culture. Refugees will not be able to put in their best efforts for the progress of a country if not allowed to integrate. Making them feel home requires much more than a space to live.
Fareeda Iffat Chaudhry
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2016.
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