At the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), Doaa participated in a symposium focused on exploring the topics most challenging for young refugees. This Chatham House Rule session featured a variety of speakers who were invited to discuss their primary issues of concern in adapting to life in a new country.

While some attendees were expecting the young refugees to mention factors such as learning a new language, coping cross-culturally or finding gainful employment, the conversation inevitably centered on a different topic: family separation.

The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) notes that Syria’s ongoing conflict has torn apart countless families: “Entire communities have been uprooted, scattering large populations within Syria and driving over 2 million into surrounding countries. Children have been particularly affected, many of them becoming refugees, some separated from one or both parents and sometimes with no adult caregiver at all.”

Another participant said: “I’m extremely worried about my family. I don’t know if I will see them in the future or not, or if they will be safe or not!”

A special challenge for those refugees who express their views openly is the potential for related persecution of their loved ones. One speaker who had narrowly avoided being arrested in Syria due to her political activities said, “I am always worried about my family because my current peace-oriented activities could affect them.” Another noted that “advocating for peace and refugees have put me and my family under the radar and led to many death threats for my father and I.”