Defined by the United Nations, internally displaced people are “persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes… and who have not crossed an internationally recognised state border.” IDPs remain in their own country, and thus unfortunately do not receive the same access to rights, protections … Continue reading Understanding Internally Displaced People (IDPs)
At Welcome Merchant, refugees and people seeking asylum are at the heart of everything that we do. But to accurately support these people, it’s critical to have a clear understanding of the refugee rights and protections: who qualifies as ‘refugee’ and how do they reach that status? Photo by Folco Masi, via Unsplash In 1951, … Continue reading Defining ‘Refugee’: The Refugee Convention
The countdown to Christmas is on and if you’re still searching for meaningful gifts, Welcome Merchant has you covered. Our curated gift guides are filled with options that will not only been cherished by your friends and family, but also support refugees and people seeking asylum. With something for everyone, from the avid readers to … Continue reading Meaningful Gifts That Give Back This Christmas
Emmanuel Asante is a visual artist residing in Western Sydney, I caught up with him a couple of weeks after he’d won the Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts & Cultural Development at the 2024 Creative Australia Awards (formerly known as Australia Council for the Arts). Act of Giving, Emmanuel Asante, 2018. Naturally, I was … Continue reading Catching Up with Emmanuel Asante
After an unprecedented 100 days of national protests led by refugees themselves, a historic open letter signed by 75 prominent organisations has urged the Albanese Government to provide a clear pathway to permanent visas for the approximately 8,400 people failed by the now-defunct Fast Track refugee assessment system. The open letter, addressed to Prime Minister … Continue reading Historic Open Letter Demands Permanent Visas for Refugees After 100 Days of Protests
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra via Unsplash International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on 11th October, is a global celebration of the rights of girls, advocating for gender equality and empowerment. This day brings attention to the unique challenges faced by girls worldwide, particularly in education, healthcare, and protection from violence. It serves as … Continue reading International Day of the Girl Child: Spotlighting Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
A humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale has been unfolding in Sudan. Since April 2023, violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have displaced over 10.2 million people, exacerbating existing issues of conflict, disease outbreaks, economic instability and climate related natural disasters. The numbers are staggering. Half of … Continue reading Sudan in Crisis
Photograph by Nk Ni, via Unsplash Since the Taliban recaptured control of Afghanistan in 2021, the quality of life in the country has deteriorated at an alarming pace, specifically for women and girls who make up 70% of those internally displaced (UNHCR, 2024). The Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law has reversed decades of progress, barring … Continue reading Unyielding: The Strength of Afghan Women
This week, 4,400 athletes have arrived in Paris for the city’s inaugural Paralympic Games. Competing across 22 sports, these Paralympians will push the boundaries of athleticism, with resilience being a prerequisite of their inspiring feats. Among them, a group that has overcome not only physical disabilities but also the immense challenge of displacement: the 2024 … Continue reading Defying Displacements: The Refugee Paralympic Team 2024
Sydney food enthusiasts, we have a treat in store for you on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Welcome Merchant is hosting a Malaysian pop-up event at Little Lagos in Enmore. The star of the show is Malar Sathasivam, the talented chef behind Sangee's Kitchen. This event promises to bring authentic Malaysian street food flavours to the … Continue reading Authentic Malaysian Cuisine at Little Lagos Pop-Up Event
