Lewis Aptekar Shared Some Common Questions About Refugees
Lewis Aptekar was a Professor of Counselor of Education at San Jose State University for nearly 30 years; enjoying an academic career that not only included the instruction of numerous San Jose students in various subjects within the scope of psychology, but that afforded him the opportunity to visit, lecture and teach at universities around the world.
A licensed clinical psychologist, Lewis Aptekar has enjoyed the opportunity to inform and inspire countless young people throughout his career, as well as to engage in research efforts and contribute to publications that have provided considerable insight into disadvantaged populations and developing nations around the globe.
Street and Homeless Youth: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (2014);
In the Lion’s Mouth: Hope and Heartbreak in Humanitarian Assistance (2013);
Environmental Disasters in Global Perspective (1994);
Lewis Aptekar has acquired in-depth experience and familiarity with the issues, problems and conditions commonly plaguing displaced persons. This includes both internally-displaced persons (those who have not crossed international borders), and refugees (those seeking relief outside their nations of origin).
Some of the more common questions posed about refugees include:
What Exactly Constitutes a Refugee?
According to Article 1 of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a refugee is someone who, due to a “well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.�
Can Refugees Return to Their Countries of Origin?
Under international law, those who have refugee status can not be forced to return to their countries of origin. Though they are afforded the opportunity to return, they may not be forcefully moved back to the location from which they’ve fled.
Why Do Refugees Commonly Flee?
Poverty and conflict are said to be among the top reasons why someone would flee their country of origin. Many displaced persons, however, are forced to relocate internally within their home nations.
How Many Refugees are There Currently?
As of 2015, it was estimated that there were just over 21 million refugees throughout the world. This number was up from the previous year. It is said that almost half of all refugees throughout the world are under the age of 18.
What International Body Monitors and Tracks Refugees?
Formed in 1950, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continues to pursue the mission of providing support and help to refugees worldwide.
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