Blog post written by: Clara Neilsen, Occupational Therapy student, Concordia University, WI

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a refugee is “someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.” They have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership, often unable to return home (UNHCR, 2023). As of October 8, 2024, over 122.6 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide due to humanitarian crises and violence in regions such as Palestine, Ukraine, Syria, Central Africa, Afghanistan, and Cuba (UNHCR, 2024). 

How can occupational therapists (OTs) help this population? 

Our profession upholds that all individuals, regardless of cultural background, race, gender, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or origin, have the right to participate in occupations that promote health, well-being, and life satisfaction aligned with their cultural beliefs (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2006). OTs possess a unique skill set to aid refugees during resettlement by facilitating community integration and helping them regain meaningful occupations, habits, and roles lost in transition. Advocating for our role in addressing occupational injustices reflects our values of justice, altruism, freedom, and equality. Research indicates that OT can significantly benefit this population (Smith et al., 2013; Trimboli & Taylor, 2016; Whiteford, 2005). 

Refugees experience various forms of occupational injustice and the adverse effects of forced displacement, including: 

• Occupational deprivation due to external barriers 

• Loss of meaningful roles, routines, and cultural practices (Scaffa, 2020) 

• Lack of normalcy 

• Occupational imbalance 

• Preoccupation with survival, leading to reduced participation 

• Occupational alienation is characterized by feelings of isolation and powerlessness (Scaffa, 2020) 

• Trauma and mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression 

• Social isolation 

• Limited choices in host countries (e.g., detention centers, refugee camps) 

• Difficulty navigating unfamiliar systems and communities 

• Cultural or racial discrimination 

• Unemployment 

Our focus on meaningful occupation and holistic well-being positions us well to support this vulnerable population in rebuilding their lives and promoting overall health. However, we are often absent from this landscape. Relevant areas within OT’s scope include: 

• Occupational needs assessment 

• Mental health and trauma-informed care 

• Coping mechanisms and emotional regulation 

• Cultural competence and client-centered practice 

• Promoting engagement in meaningful occupations 

• Redeveloping daily routines and roles 

• Building life skills 

• Supporting community reintegration and resource navigation 

How Can OTs Support War Refugees? 

• Collaborate with local or national resettlement agencies 

• Advocate for policies that enhance refugee integration 

• Connect with local non-profit organizations supporting refugees and asylum seekers 

How can OTs collaborate with existing refugee resettlement organizations? 

Reach out to local refugee resettlement agencies (Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) to explore volunteer opportunities and learn about community resources. Share how your OT expertise can support their mission and assist refugee reintegration. By engaging in this work, we can expand OT’s impact and help war refugees rebuild their lives and find purpose in their communities. 

References 

Kern, S. B., Reitz, S. M., Seruya, F. M., Silveira, J., Smith, B. C., Thompson, T., Kilkuskie, K., Santos, G., & Nguyen, A. (2020). Promoting occupational participation in marginalized populations. In M. Scaffa & M. Reitz (Eds.), Occupational therapy in community and population health practice (3rd ed., pp. 457-487). F.A. Davis Company. 

Scaffa, M. E. (2020). Community and population health concepts. In M. Scaffa & M. Reitz (Eds.), Occupational therapy in community and population health practice (3rd ed., pp. 22-37). F.A. Davis Company. 

Smith, Y. J., Stephenson, S., & Gibson-Satterthwaite, M. (2013). The meaning and value of traditional occupational practice: A Karen woman’s story of weaving in the United States. Work, 45(1), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-131600 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2024). What is a refugee? https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/what-is-a-refugee/ 

World Federation of Occupational Therapists. (2006). WFOT position statement: Human rights. http://www.wfot.org/ResourceCentre.aspx 

Blog post written by: Clara Neilsen, Occupational Therapy student, Concordia University, WI