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…
Category: Human Rights
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…
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…
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…
“We love to share our food with friends and celebrate being together”: Refugee perspectives
“I was training to become a wrestler back in my home country, I hope I can one day be sponsored to continue my passion in Hong Kong”, says Roman*, an asylum seeker from the Caucasus. Roman’s place of birth is only recognised as an independent country by a handful of nations. To the rest of…
“Cooking brings everyone together”: A Refugee’s Dream
As told to Fatima Qureshi Esther* is from Nigeria. Living in Hong Kong for 3 years now, Esther was a well-renowned cook in her church back home. But with communal violence on the rise, she was forced to leave the hostile environment and talks about how she is trying to reconcile her dreams of opening…
Safeguarding faith, family and freedom in Hong Kong
As told to Fatima Qureshi. Sabah* is from Egypt. Seeking refuge in Hong Kong with her husband and three children for a year now from religious persecution after her conversion to Christianity, Sabah talks about her broken past, struggling present and hopes for the future free from the anxiety of danger and exclusion. This is…
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