By Land & By Seas - Poetry for the Refugees - Poetry of Witness, #3

"In a strife ridden world it is incumbent on the part of a poet to dwell upon social issues like war, corruption, poverty, refugee influx etc. He should hold a mirror to life and its sufferings and joys and strive to bring each one's life a trifle closer to the worth and meaning of man's existence on this Earth. Only by exposing the injustices and absurdities of society and voicing against them, we can reduce the gloom that permeates the lives of many in our society. Refugees who are thrown out of the orbits of their lives have a life and death struggle before them. Let the world realize that all are rightful heirs to the bounties of the world and everyone has a right to lead a dignified life." (Valsa George Nedumthallil)

« Voiceless, I now speak to myself
And voiceless I speak to you, also —You,
Who are listening to me through your empty
Eyes » (F.Frosini, April 2016)

This book is for all those who are forced to leave their homes and their countries because of persecution and wars (F.Frosini)

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A 'Refugee' is a person who flees to another country to escape being persecuted for their religion or politics, or to escape war.

According to UNHCR, the agency of the United Nations set up to aid, protect, and monitor refugees, at the end of 2015 the total number of "forcibly displaced" worldwide was 65.3 million —a number equal to the entire population of the UK.

"During the year 2015, conflict and persecution forced an average of 34,500 persons per day to leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere, either within the borders of their countries or in other countries. 51% of refugees were under 18 years old —the highest figure for child refugees in more than a decade." [UNHCR]