Iraqi Refugees: the Hidden Crisis
A student mini-documentary by Cabrini College Students
When Cabrini College juniors Brittany Mitchell and Christine Graf were deciding on a film project for a class, they knew they wanted their student video to focus on something important. They chose the unfolding crisis of Iraqi refugees—2 million men, women and children who have fled violence in their homeland and now live in the urban slums of the Middle East. Brittany and Christine interviewed several Iraqis now living in the United States, as well as staff members of Catholic Relief Services who explain how CRS serves this vulnerable group.
In host countries like Jordan and Lebanon, Iraqis are not allowed to work, go to school or access public health care. With no homes or jobs in Iraq to return to, they are struggling to survive. Refugees have been traumatized by the death threats, kidnappings, rapes and murders they've witnessed. Many live in bare apartments in cities like Beirut and Damascus, waiting out the days until another country agrees to take them in and let them work.
CRS is providing food, help with rent, and vocational training so Iraqis can work from their homes even when they can't get formal jobs. Watch Brittany and Christine's student video to find out more about the crisis—and what Americans can do to help.
Running time: 12 minutes
