Video

The Definition of a Refugee

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power explains what makes a person a refugee.

Last Updated: April 18, 2022

Video

Language

English — US

Subject

Civics & Citizenship

Human & Civil Rights

Often it is war and conflict. You mentioned also persecution.

So the way the Refugee Convention defines it is a well-founded fear of persecution. So you can have refugees who are targeted because, let's say, they're a member of a particular ethnic group or what we see, unfortunately, all around the world because they're gay and they're targeted just because of their sexual orientation.

So you can have refugees because of something about them that people choose to persecute. The people you tend to see fleeing Syria, of course, generally are fleeing conflict. But what unites them all is they have a sense of hopelessness and a sense of deep fear for themselves and for their families.

Facing History and Ourselves, “The Definition of a Refugee,” video, last updated April 18, 2022.

Lesson

This lesson provides students with an opportunity to reflect on violence against women and gender inequality in the UK.

Flowers and candles are seen at a memorial site in Clapham Common Bandstand, following the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, in London, Britain March 13, 2021.

Mini-Lesson

In this mini-lesson, students sharpen their media literacy skills as they evaluate the impact of social media on their lives and question how we can manage social media’s harmful effects.

A group of people use their smartphones outdoors.

Collection

Explore resources that meet the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework.

Students working in groups in a classroom

Collection

Explore resources that meet the California History–Social Science Framework standards.

Four students sit in a circle in conversation. The student in the center speaks with their hands raised.

Lesson

Students are introduced to the many factors that influenced Americans’ will and ability to respond to the Jewish refugee crisis, including isolationism, racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism.

A crowd of American men and women hold signs protesting Nazi Germany's actions.

Lesson

Students explore the intertwined personal stories of Jewish refugees who attempted to flee to the United States and the American rescuers who intervened on their behalf.

Four people pose for a photo in front of a large window.

Lesson

Students examine the strategies of three key civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Stokely Carmichael.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Stokely Carmichael march with a crowd of people behind them.

Lesson

Students will explore some of the causes and consequences of denying the Armenian Genocide and reflect on the role of public art to commemorate difficult histories.