Health-care workers who treat refugees plan message to Trump administration
Adeb Arianson’s harrowing journey from Kabul to Canada is a story of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. Fleeing his home just days before the Taliban took control of the capital city, Arianson crossed the border to Tajikistan, where he spent weeks in a hospital recovering from physical and mental trauma.
The panic attacks and fear that consumed him during those tumultuous days are still etched in his memory. But despite the challenges he faced, Arianson eventually found refuge in Canada as a government-assisted refugee in 2022. Now 23, he is set to speak at an international conference in Halifax, where health-care workers from around the world gather to discuss refugee and migrant health.
The conference, known as the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference, has seen a decline in attendance this year, with many delegates from the United States opting out due to fears of re-entering the country under the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The event aims to address the protection of vulnerable migrants and refugees by drafting a statement called the “Halifax Declaration,” which will be submitted to a major medical journal.
Dr. Annalee Coakley, the conference organizer, emphasized the importance of advocating for refugee and migrant rights in the current political climate. She highlighted the challenges faced by individuals from migrant backgrounds, who often live in fear of deportation and lack access to essential health services.
The Trump administration’s suspension of the United States Refugee Admission Program has had a significant impact on refugees, including those who were cleared to travel to the U.S. but had their plans halted. Arianson, who experienced firsthand the struggles of being a refugee, believes it is crucial to raise awareness about the plight of displaced individuals.
As a member of the LGBTQ community, Arianson knew that living in Afghanistan under the Taliban posed a grave risk to his safety. He expressed his disappointment at the U.S. government’s decision to close its doors to refugees, calling it inhumane and unjust.
Dr. Katherine McKenzie, director of the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine, echoed Arianson’s concerns, noting the detrimental effects of immigration policies on the mental and physical health of refugee families. She shared stories of families experiencing stress and anxiety, as well as instances where fear of deportation led to life-threatening delays in seeking medical care.
Coakley emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of refugees and migrants, particularly in a country with abundant resources. The conference serves as a platform for health-care professionals to come together and advocate for the rights and dignity of those seeking refuge in foreign lands.
Arianson’s journey from Kabul to Halifax is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As he prepares to share his story at the conference, he hopes to shed light on the struggles faced by refugees worldwide and inspire others to stand up for their rights.
