I am a Refugee Child
We hope for peace, friendship, good behavior and good treatment. And my wish is peace.
Writing by Monsoor
Painting by Elizabeth Thayer
Written by Monsoor, from Afghanistan
Moria Camp, Greece, April 12, 2016
I am a refugee child
My wish is peace
I am innocent
There is no question about that
We escaped away from threats
We were faced with bullets, guns, explosions and many other things
We hope for peace, friendship, good behavior and good treatment
And my wish is peace
I am a refugee child
I lost my country
Because of pain, disasters and punishment
I’m in a grave even though I’m alive
Disasters and sickness keep coming
But my wish is peace
I am a refugee child
I will become calm
And my mouth will be sweet
When you laugh with me
We didn’t come here to eat and drink
Our decency was under attack
My wish is peace
You’re broadcasting human rights
Hey merciful people
The refugees are with you and part of that humanity
Tell me, without helping the people, what is your wish?
Our team members obtain informed consent from each individual before an interview takes place. Individuals dictate where their stories may be shared and what personal information they wish to keep private. In situations where the individual is at risk and/or wishes to remain anonymous, alias names are used and other identifying information is removed from interviews immediately after they are received by TSOS. We have also committed not to use refugee images or stories for fundraising purposes without explicit permission. Our top priority is to protect and honor the wishes of our interview subjects.