My name is Anida Magaya. I am a Sudanese refugee woman.  I have been relocated to the United States from Cairo, Egypt.  I arrived in Rochester in March of 2005.  My country has been devastated and my people suffered from all the ugly diminutions of a prolonged civil war.  I, as many of my people, fled from my country, hoping for a better life - looking for a secure place, where my voice could be heard and my rights as a human valued.

My people today are refugees in most of the countries that border with Sudan such as Uganda, Congo, and Egypt.  Some are also in the European countries, Canada, Australia and America.  To be more accurate, we have refugees almost all over the world.

We are scattered due to reasons ranging from political problems, insecurity, religious, social and racial discrimination, lack of social and health services, lack of education opportunities, violence, abduction and forced marriages upon women.

Fleeing from Sudan to a host country, we are bound to face new challenges whereby insecurity continues to be a persistent issue.  We are faced by racial and social inacceptance.  We have no rights to most of the basic necessities such as employment, social security, health facilities and education.  Many refugees remain illiterate, especially women.  Another rising issue is that in some countries we have a lot of children born to refugee women with no identification, such as birth certificates.

As I came to America I have come to realize the opportunities around me and that I am able to walk the streets knowing that my rights are acknowledged.

I would like to thank those of Southern Minnesota, the government and the citizens for the level of understanding you have for the needs of our refugees and for accepting us among you not only as refugees but also as fellow citizens.  You have given us the ability to be productive elements in this society and participate in shaping the face of America.

If you would like to help more refugees settle in America and establish themselves to be independent, please volunteer with the Refugee Resettlement program in Rochester.

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