Citation

Roshni 1996; ePub(ePub): 18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, All-India Women's Conference)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12179425

Abstract

The All India Women's Conference, in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, organized a seminar on "Women in Search of Identity" on March 11, 1996. Concerns were limited to the refugee women and to migrant or displaced women. Refugee women are disadvantaged and vulnerable; they require protection against forced return to a country of origin where violence and prolonged detention await them. They require legal status that accords adequate social and economic rights and protection against manipulation, sexual or physical abuse, exploitation, and sexual discrimination. These women often flee with their children and without the male head of household; illiterate and unskilled, they are unaccustomed and unprepared to run the household. They have trouble standing up to threats and establishing themselves in a new environment. Displaced women migrate, alone or with men, from a rural area to a city as a part of industrialization. They live in slums and fall victim to exploitation. Also in this group is the illegal immigrant who migrates from neighboring countries for economic reasons. They are the most harassed by the administration and by the neighborhood. They do not belong; have no rights; and are unaware of legalities relating to their stay. They are used as cheap labor and may fall prey to trafficking. Millions are displaced within their own countries, searching for identity, despite being nationals, and live as no man's concern. Many hope to return home soon; many cannot.

Language: en