The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Cody C. Lorance
Date: 12.01.2012
Category: Diasporas, Social Justice, Unreached People Groups
Today, I’d like to just provide an annotated list of some intriguing articles related to Bhutanese-Nepali refugees (in some cases more generally about refugees). I spend time regularly scouring the web for news and information relevant to these people and try to pass on those things I find most interesting. Here goes:
Regional Snap Shots [The following are shared because I find they serve as missiological case studies from which can be drawn insights which may prove relevant to many other diaspora contexts.]
New Hampshire’s City of Manchester Debates a Moratorium on Refugee Resettlement This is a truly fascinating look and how some people respond to the influx of refugees. In the mid-sized and prosperous (only 4.5% unemployment) city of Manchester, NH some government officials a claiming to be overwhelmed by cities refugee population. How many refugees you ask? A mere 2,000 over the past decade!
The Refugee Scene in Durham, NC Interesting snap shot on one of the smaller refugee resettlement hubs. Interesting tidbits here.
Violence and Ethnic Tensions in Areas of Columbus, OH where Refugees Live This presents more information on the very troubled areas of Columbus where many refugees and other immigrants have resettled. Many of the tensions appear to arise from conflict and mistrust between immigrant populations and long-time residents of these impoverished urban areas. There is much to learn here about diaspora dynamics and poverty. What is happening in Columbus is happening in many other places as well.
Teeming Diversity in Fargo, ND Public Schools Here is a feature that provides a nice picture at the ELL (English Language Learner) programs in public schools in Fargo, ND. What is described here is very similar to what is going on in many other cities as well.
Bhutanese Refugees in the Suburbs of Baltimore This is a sweeping story about the Bhutanese-Nepali refugee experience and gives a pretty good sense of what is going on in Maryland. It also features about 20 beautiful photos.
Burlington, VT Considers Giving Refugees the Right-to-Vote Prior to Gaining Citizenship Fascinating idea.
Blogs to Follow [I follow these blogs for the information they provide related to Bhutanese-Nepalis.]
BhutanPDX -- "Building Cultural Bridges: Bhutan - Nepal - Oregon" This blog is dedicated to the production of a documentary film highlighting the "coming to America" experience for Bhutanese-Nepalis. The film is posted there now.
Bhutan News Service This ends up being my primary source of news relevant to Bhutanese refugees. The bulk of the stories relate to happenings back in the camps and occasionally the news is more Bhutan-focused. However, I have found many stories to be quite helpful.
Refugees Voice The blog says that it shares news pertaining to all refugees, but it is really pretty exclusively focused on the Bhutanese.
Refugee Watch This blog has a more general, refugee focus.
Special Topics [The following articles provide specialized information that you may not have found elsewhere pertaining to the Bhutanese-Nepalis] Medical Treatment Issues This is an article written for healthcare providers designed to give a brief introduction to Bhutanese-Nepalis for the sake of improving the quality of healthcare they receive.
B-12 Deficiency This may seem like a small issue. However, I am pretty well persuaded that B-12 deficiency is responsible for quite a lot of health and psychological problems suffered by the Bhutanese. I have seen how they eat. Heck, I have spent quite a lot of time eating how they eat. This is a real thing.
Secondary Resettlement If you want to understand refugees, you must understand the issue of "secondary resettlement". Here’s an excellent picture slideshow and article that presents one story.
Mental Health I have posted this before, but while we are on special topics, it deserved another mention.
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Conversation Post Comment
United States
Cody,
Thank you for taking the time to centralize these websites and resources. This is a rich compilation of information in regards to refugees.
I took time to visit the website dedicated to the refugees in Durham, since that is closest to me. I was intrigued to learn that last year 222 refugees from Burma, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Laos, Somalia, and Sudan found their new homes in Durham and Chapel Hill.
My professor always says that God is bringing the nations to us, and this is a great example of this.
Thank you.
04.05.2013
United States
@ Tumelo_Rose:
Say hi to Terry!
By the way, you also have a lot of refugees in Charlotte, Raliegh, and Greensboro.
04.05.2013
United States
@ Cody_Lorance:
Hi Cody,
I will tell him that you said, "hello." Thank you for your note.
04.05.2013
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