Health or culture? Resettlement and care of young unaccompanied refugees
Author: Hjelde KH
Source:
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. 1998; 10/1 (11-18)
About 200 minor unaccompanied refugees (YUR's) are accepted in Norway annually, and 25 to 45 of the refugees are absorbed in Oslo. They come from Somalia, Eritrea, Iran and Vietnam. They come from various religious backgrounds, and usually from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Many have suffered severe emotional trauma, in addition to being separated from or suffered the loss of parents. The Oslo Child Welfare Refugee Section is responsible for their resettlement and care. Emphasis is placed on learning the language, training for employment, and social and cultural integration into Norwegian society. Many of the young adults place particular emphasis on building up their bodies as a source of empowerment in their new environment.