June 20th is designated as World Refugee Day by the United Nations. This day is set aside to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The theme for 2023 is “Hope away from home. A world where refugees are always included,” and focuses on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees. This article is from a special edition newsletter focused on refugees and issues pertaining to their social inclusion.
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Social Inclusion as a Determinant of Mental Health

Social inclusion is about feeling accepted, being treated with respect and valued. It also includes the ability to participate in and benefit from society. Three elements contribute to social inclusion:

• social connection to family, school, work, religious organizations and community groups,
• social capital which is the resources available to an individuals based on the people in their social networks
• civic engagement which entails being involved in the affairs of community or society.

According to the a Canadian Mental Health Association (2008), social inclusion is a protective factor for mental health, it fosters attachment to others, provides a sense of purpose, builds self-esteem, and mediates the effects of psychological distress created by adverse life events. Being involved with a community and engaged with civic matters are connected with better self-reported mental health.

One of the most effective ways of helping refugees rebuild their lives is including them in the society/community where they have found refuge. Inclusion can take different forms such as
forging ties and friendships, being able to apply for local jobs or go to local schools, and having access to different services like housing or healthcare (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2023).

One of the most effective ways of helping refugees rebuild their lives is including them in the society/community where they have found refuge. Inclusion can take different forms such as
forging ties and friendships, being able to apply for local jobs or go to local schools, and having access to different services like housing or healthcare (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2023).

In this video, Dr. Michaela Hynie, from the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University, Toronto, speaks about the importance of social connection to mental wellbeing.

A major barrier to social inclusion is rejection of refugees based on social identities, such as race, ethnicity, religion and culture (UNHCR, 2023).

UNHCR identified the following inclusion challenges faced by refugees:

• Xenophobia and fear: persons who are forcibly displaced often suffer from discrimination in the countries where they have found refuge.
• Tensions over resources: tensions between host communities and refugees result from concern over the use of local resources.
• Inclusion in the economy: the inability to find work is a significant barrier for refugees’successful integration into society.
• Access to healthcare: refugees often come from countries facing war or poverty and the pre-migration and migration journey may increase their vulnerability to diseases and mental health issues.
• Language barriers proficiency in the language of the host community inhibits refugees’ ability to fully participate in all aspects of a society.

UNHCR further states that specific programs established to enhance social connections for resettled refugees would include the following practices:

• Provide language assistance
• Engage refugee communities in planning and implementation.
• Promote mutual benefits for both resettled refugees, the receiving society, individuals and volunteers providing support.
• Provide or facilitate access to support by removing practical barriers (childcare, transport, translation, etc.).
• Promote participation of nationals to programmes that support social connections.
• Provide culturally sensitive and age appropriate support.
• Take account of the needs of the whole family as well as individual family members, including refugee children and youth.
• Build connections and supportive relationships between resettled refugees and wider local communities.

In this video, Syrian refugee Rabiaa Al Zhouri and her family were resettled in Nova Scotia. She developed a strong friendship with sponsor Cindy Murphy who helped her grow her business and expand her social circles within the community.

Refugees in Canada: From Far And Wide: Community Fabric (UNHCR, 2016)