To Belong or Not to Belong

A couple of weeks into this pandemic and I have found myself contemplating the conditions of temporary existence. Not because social distancing is giving me an existential crisis (which I might be), but because as a "stateless" young woman I know better than to assume everyone is safe. While refugees, worldwide, are already vulnerable individuals, what happens when the conditions of citizenship are put to the test? Generally, in a fight against an international pandemic, countries assume the motto every man for themselves (excuse the sexist phrase). This covers everyone under the security of citizenship or even a temporary status like a study via- not to say that they are fully secure either; but what happens to those stuck in between?

Let me start with this: I am one of the lucky ones. My name is Waad Hassan and I am a third-generation Palestinian refugee. I am a refugee in Lebanon which deprives me of various human rights such as the right to own property or pursue around 70+ jobs. But let's not linger on the sad part. In a way, I am an international citizen, I was born in Dubai, grew up in Lebanon, received my undergraduate degree in the USA, and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Canada. Right now, I am living in the safety of my apartment in a university residence. I spend my days studying online, reading, cooking, and pondering how long does it take for boredom to cause someone to spontaneously-combust. But, again, I am one of the lucky ones.

According to the UNHCR, there are around 70.8 million displaced people in the world of which 25.9 million are refugees and 3.5 million are asylum-seekers. First, let me explain, while all refugees are struggling, some of them have managed to be refugees of countries that grant them rights like Canada. I only say this to avoid a bleak image in the middle of this bleak pandemic. Other refugees, if not the majority, are continuously struggling to attain human rights: where do they live? which country is responsible for them? how will they seek medical attention? I am not sure how to answer that. Second, there are asylum seekers. One of the first reactions to a pandemic is closing the borders. And yes! I know that is a necessary move, but all consequences must be measurable. What happens to those stuck between a country they are escaping and one that will not have them? What happens to those stranded at the borders with no protection what-so-ever?

I do not have answers, but I believe asking questions is an important step. I want to make sure you know that I acknowledge my privilege: I get to sit behind a laptop screen in a comfortable apartment and write this piece. Though I have had my fair struggles as a refugee with no citizenship, I have the current security of my student visa in Canada.

Now ask yourself this, have you asked any questions from whatever place of privilege you are in?