Sun, Feb 13, 2022 page2

• Hong Kong refugees traumatized

  FEELING POWERLESS: Many Hong Kongers who fled to Taiwan were not only beaten in their homeland, but now find it difficult to make friends and fit in with local culture

  • By Chen Yu-fu and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writer
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  The majority of Hong Kongers who sought asylum in Taiwan show signs of trauma related to political violence, while most have trouble adapting to life in their new home, a source who works with them said.

  “Many of the victims were beaten by Hong Kong police, or were close with someone who was shot or killed during the protests,” the source said. “Their experiences have left them scarred and unable to return to where they came from.”

  Many Hong Kongers who participated in anti-extradition protests in 2019 saw support for Hong Kong expressed in Taiwanese media, and by Taiwanese politicians in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election.

  

  Hong Kong democracy movement supporters gather in Taipei on June 13, 2020, to mark the first anniversary of the start of the protests in Hong Kong.

  Photo: Reuters

  “They thought that there would be plenty of social support for them in Taiwan, but after coming here they found that most Taiwanese don’t really care about Hong Kong,” the source said.

  Those who fled to Taiwan from Hong Kong have had trouble finding a secure social network, and often find themselves feeling lonely, the source said, adding “their hearts remain in Hong Kong.”

  Some of the asylum seekers came to Taiwan shortly after the protest movement started, others applied after the introduction of Hong Kong’s National Security Law, and yet others found themselves unable to leave Hong Kong at all after its government implemented strict border controls to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the source said.

  

  Hong Kong skyline is pictured from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, China on January 2, 2020.

  Photo: Reuters

  “Some of those who made it to Taiwan safely feel guilty that they were able to leave while others are still trapped in Hong Kong. Taiwanese are unable to understand those feelings,” the source said.

  Part of the frustration of Hong Kongers in Taiwan stems from feeling powerless to face up to the Chinese Communist Party, which destroyed the freedoms that Hong Kong enjoyed in the past, the source said.

  “Most Hong Kongers of all age groups experience difficulties finding suitable employment and adapting to life,” the source said. “Some have opted to return to Hong Kong, only to be arrested when they arrive.”

  Academia Sinica researcher Peng Jen-yu (彭仁郁) said there are concerns that Hong Kongers who experience trauma due to political violence could develop symptoms, including substance abuse and self-isolation, if adequate social support is absent.

  “Some people who participated in the protests have witnessed partners or friends being injured by the police while they are powerless to help,” she said. “They also might have family members who don’t support their participation in the protests.”

  Some Hong Kongers reported being ostracized by their families, she said, comparing the situation to protesters involved in Taiwan’s Sunflower movement who were scolded by parents and relatives for their involvement.

  In some cases, Hong Kongers who were at the protests knew that police had made a record of their participation, so they decided to flee to Taiwan while they could, Peng said.

  “Some were lucky enough to have family support, and their families sometimes send them money, but others are not so lucky and must rely on nongovernmental organizations for assistance,” she said.

  The number of Hong Kongers who come to Taiwan and who see a future for themselves in the country is relatively low, Peng said, adding that most see Taiwan as a temporary home.
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