Basic HTML Version
DEFENDERS
44
Au t umn&wi n t e r
2 0 1 4 & 2 0 1 5
When faced with natural disasters such as
famine and drought, andmanmade disasters
such as war, injustice, oppression and or
bad economic and social conditions such
as poverty and unemployment, they choose
one of the three options, homelessness,
refugee and migration.
The are in search of physical, mental
and social security or they are looking for
work and improvement of the quality of
their lives. And despite having attachments
to their homes and places of birth, they
leave their land and are made homeless
within the borders of their motherland,
which is a common denominator in the
aforementioned three scenarios.
Migration from motherland and seeking
asylum in a new country comes with
unknown fears and hopes. The different
cultural conditions of the destination
country, limitations on resources and
facilities, social and economic issues of
migrant accepting countries and the views
of the individuals of society towards
homelessness and refugee status are some
of the problems in the way of migrants,
refugees and the displaced.
\As well as this, homelessness for any
reason, at ties due to natural or unnatural
disasters, comes with lack of easy access
of a group of people to decent hygiene
medical, educational and welfare services.
The existence of this situation, increases
the threat of catching various diseases,
accidents, drug addiction and abuse and
mental illnesses among refugees. These
disorders that three of the types are lined
to mental disorders, put heavy burden on
the shoulders of both migrants and the host
countries from health, economic and social
aspects.
In the beginning of the arrival of the
first wave of refugees, the most important
things are food and shelter. But after the
refugee populations are settled and their
basic needs provided, then mental health
needs also become significantly important.
Refugee status by nature brings along
mental damages which affect all the living
conditions of refugees.
In the past the mortality rate, were
associated to sicknesses and damages
caused by wars and natural disasters. But
today, the mental and social consequences
A Review of ODVV’s Activities Regarding
the Improvement of the Mental and Social
Health of Afghan Refugees in Iran
By: Leila Enayati
Researcher