Review on Vietnamese Refugees, Resettlement and Mental Health: From Pulau Bidong, a Malaysian Experience

Abstract

War regardless of where it occurs, causes widespread devastation for everyone on the planet. Civilians who are directly affected by war are subjected to unspeakable atrocities. They cross national borders in search of safety. The total number of refugees in the world reached 26.4 million in 2020 and now with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the number is escalating. As of May 2021 the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia has registered 179,570 refugees and asylum seekers. With the growing number of refugees around the world, the prevalence of their mental health disorders is significant for public health. These people are among the most vulnerable people on the planet. The purpose of this review is to look at the short and long term psychological impact on refugees, in particular the Vietnamese refugees who once fled their country for safety in Malaysia and then resettled in other countries. From the review, recommendations for handling the growing number of refugees worldwide in the hope of reducing the impact their psychological problem in future. #SayNoToWar