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Forced Migration

Definition

Forced migration refers to the involuntary or coerced movement of a person or people away from their home region, often due to factors like war, natural disaster, or persecution.

Analogy

Imagine being forced out of your house because it's on fire - you didn't choose to leave but had no choice because staying would be dangerous. That's similar to forced migration where people have no option but to leave their homes due to life-threatening circumstances.

Related terms

Refugees: People who are forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence. They have well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

Displacement: The forced movement of people from their locality or environment and occupational activities. It is a form of social change caused by a number of factors, notably population pressure.

Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have sought international protection and whose claim for refugee status has not yet been determined legally. Unlike refugees who are recognized and receive legal protection under international law, asylum seekers' claims have yet to be accepted.