Who are Refugees and Migrants? What Makes People Leave their Homes? And Other Big Questions

Book excerpt: What does it mean for people to have to leave their homes, and what happens when they seek entry to another country? This book explores the history of refugees and migration around the world and the effects on people of never-ending war and conflict. It compares the effects on society of diversity and interculturalism with historical attempts to create a racially 'pure' culture. It takes an international perspective, and offers a range of views from people who have personal experience of migration, including the campaigners Meltem Avcil and Muzoon Almellehan, the comedian and actor Omid Djalili and the poet Benjamin Zephaniah. Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards, the book encourages readers to think for themselves about the issues involved. There is also a role-play activity asking readers to imagine themselves in the situation of having to decide whether to leave their homes and seek refuge in a new country. Part of the groundbreaking and important 'And Other Big Questions' series, which offers balanced and considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today. Other titles in the series include: What is Humanism? How do you live without a god? What is Feminism? Why do we need It? What is Gender? How does it Define us? What is Consent? Why is it Important? What is Right and Wrong? Who Decides? Where do Values come from? What is Race? Who are Racists? Why Does Skin Colour Matter? What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? What is Politics? Why Should we Care?