As told to M. Nauman Qureshi. Edited by Aarohi Narain. With a culinary repertoire spanning two continents, LK* tells her story through the medium of food. In addition to providing unique insight into the origins and usages of certain ingredients, she paints us a picture of her life in Hong Kong while narrating the struggle…
The taste of ice-cream: Vignettes from Refugee Union
Guest contribution by Vania Chow “Ma!” Her younger son cried, tugging at her hand as they walked through the streets. The day was a hot one, with the usual Hong Kong sticky humidity that she grew to hate. He pointed to a poster banner plastered onto the window of the convenience store. ‘Summer discount- $25…
Empowering women through art: Refugee Perspectives
As told to M. Nauman Qureshi Against all odds, Clarisse transformed her situation into a story of success and largesse. All it took was two years for her to become a fashion designer and Founder of an arts and crafts collective called Art Women. She’s now revered for her bright and bold clothing as well…
Djembe and Donuts: My First Encounter with Hong Kong’s African Community
By Esther Ng Although I have lived in Hong Kong for many years, I have only recently began to confront the borders that snake through the world I call ‘home’. The places I frequent and the people I socialise with have mostly been confined to certain quarters and communities within this city. I think to…
Freedom – above all: Refugee Perspectives
As told to Mhairi McLaughlin and Rivekie Ho. Annie* arrived in Hong Kong over a year ago, after being trafficked into a forced marriage in Mainland China. She is originally from Madagascar. Although living in limbo as an asylum seeker, she talks about the importance of freedom. How long have you been in Hong Kong?…
“We just hope that there is a future”: Keeping family together against all odds
As told to Tegan Smyth Kiran* has been in Hong Kong for over a decade, after fleeing political persecution in his home country. He shared several Nepalese dishes and discussed how he is trying to make the best life for his family in Hong Kong. How is it making Nepalese food in Hong Kong?…
“No matter the situation, we should always have hope”
As told to Edmond Lo and Tegan Smyth. Translated by Tegan Smyth. André* has been living in Hong Kong since 2013, after fleeing sectarian violence in his home country, Togo. He left amid suspicious fires occurring at two major markets in Togo, leading to the arrest of opposition members without trial, ahead of the country’s parliamentary polls….
Canadian barrister denied admission to the appeal of one of Edward Snowden’s Guardian “Angels”. Repercussions for Hong Kong’s refugee community?
Written by Askia M Sillah* Snowden’s Guardian Angels, as they are commonly referred to by the media, are at immediate risk of being detained by the Director of Immigration at the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre in Tuen Mun (“CIC”), as well as and being removed or deported to their home countries. At a…
Living with a chronic illness in Hong Kong: Refugee Perspectives
As told to Tegan Smyth and Rivekie Ho. Sarah* arrived in Hong Kong as a foreign domestic helper. However, after falling sick with a serious illness, her contract of employment was cancelled and her employment agency bought tickets to send her home. After overstaying in Hong Kong to receive medical treatment, she is now living…
Two Women, One Goal: “When the time is right, we will return home in dignity.”
As told to Fatima Qureshi Unspeakable conditions at work, political conflicts at home and the ongoing battle for safety and security, Rita* and Anne* came to Hong Kong from the Philippines nearly 10 years ago in hopes to financially support their families as migrant domestic workers. But unforeseeable circumstances at their agency discontinued further opportunities…
Language Barriers & Isolation: Keeping culture and hope alive in Hong Kong
Daud* and Aicha* came to Hong Kong nearly 3 years ago. While preparing several dishes from their country of origin, Chad, they told us about their day to day lives in Hong Kong and the difficulties that stem from not being able to work and having no means to speak to people in a common…
Legal Limbo, Mental Health & Faith: Intersections
As told to Shama Mashroor When discussing the lives of refugees, mental health is a factor that is often overlooked by policy-makers and individual citizens alike. What does it feel like to leave your home behind in search of a better one so that you can provide for your family, while also struggling with an…
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