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Writer's pictureAnita Qian

Painting with Refugee Children at the Refugee Union



On February 11th, 2023, Cristal hosted an art session for the children at Refugee Union to unleash their creativity through paints and collaboration. Within 3 hours, every child had created a unique, beautiful artwork with our assistance. It was a moment for each participant to let loose and discover their passion and talent for art.


While children account for 30% of the world’s population, at the end of 2020, around 42% of all forcibly displaced people were children and youth under 18 years old (UNHCR Global Trends 2020).


With 10,053 immigration detainees in 2019, Hong Kong had more immigration detainees than inmates. Immigration detention detains people suspected of breaking immigration laws in closed government facilities. Detentions might continue for several years, and refugee cases are not prioritized above ones involving local individuals. When asylum-seeking families are detained for a prolonged period, children are denied access to education and other services. Ongoing reports criticize a lack of specialized care and services for refugee children, particularly those who have experienced trauma or mental health issues.


Furthermore, in December 2022, a new policy was implemented that empowers immigration authorities to remove rejected applicants from the city before they exhaust all legal avenues to dispute the decision. This means that asylum seekers in Hong Kong constantly live in a state of instability, filled with fear that they will be forced to return to unsafe circumstances.


By listening to their struggles, we hope to give them moments where they can destress and have fun through our artistic workshops.


Below are the art pieces from the children!


Keisha, a 10-year-old girl from the Philippines.



Grail, a 6-year-old from the Philippines.


Rehani, a 7-year-old girl.


Maryam, a 9-year-old girl from India.



Risky, an 8 year old boy.



Unnamed, 4 years old boy


All profits generated from Cristal.HK goes towards the Refugee Union, which will support the children featured in our posts! Check out our shop and support our cause today!



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