• What would you do if you faced persecution in your own country? (SBS)Source: SBS
We asked Australians what they would do if they faced persecution in their own country: stay or flee?
Damian McDermott, Caitlin Chang

28 Sep 2018 - 6:00 AM  UPDATED 28 Sep 2018 - 6:00 AM

It had be hard for those of us born into the relative peace and safety of Australia to put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has undertaken the perilous journey of seeking asylum in a foreign country. We can only imagine the forces that have driven people across the globe to uproot themselves and take such a risk.

For many of the world's asylum seekers and refugees, political instability, war and conflict has meant the place they call home is no longer safe any more. 

At the end of 2017, 68.5 million people were displaced from their homes, as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations, according to the UNHCR. 

 This number includes:

 - 25.4 million refugees in the world - the highest figure ever seen

- 40 million internally displaced people

- 3.1 million asylum seekers.

SBS Life asked Australians what they would do if they suddenly found themselves facing persecution in their own country. Stay and fight? Hide or flee? Their responses are revealing. 

Watch the video below:


'Go Back To Where You Came From Live' airs over three consecutive nights, October 2 – 4, 8.30pm, LIVE on SBS Australia and streaming live at SBS On Demand. 

Join the conversation #GoBackLive

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