DSU STATEMENT

Over the past months, many of us have been watching devastating news unfold across the world, from escalating violence in parts of Mexico, to unrest and political repression in Iran, to instability affecting communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and across the Middle East. For some students, this is news. For others, this is family. This is home. 

As your Students’ Union, we want to acknowledge something clearly: global conflict does not stay “over there”. It shows up in our classrooms, in our group projects, in our focus levels, in our sleep. It impacts students who are worried about loved ones, navigating difficult conversations, sending money home, or carrying the emotional weight of uncertainty and fear. 

If you are feeling distracted, overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or simply exhausted, that makes sense. Your reaction is human. 

Douglas College is more than classrooms and deadlines. It is a community made up of students from around the world. If you notice a classmate struggling, check in. A small message of support can mean a lot right now. 

If you are impacted and need support, please consider reaching out: 

• Douglas College Counselling 

• Free, confidential support available to Douglas College students for personal, academic, and mental health concerns. 

• Here2Talk  

• Free, 24/7 confidential counselling and referral services for registered B.C. post-secondary students (domestic and international) via phone, app, and web. 

In addition, culturally specific community supports are available: 

Resources for the Mexican Community 

• Latincouver – Supporting Communities 

• Community programs, cultural connection, and support services. 

• https://www.latincouver.ca 

• Hispanic Community Centre Society of BC 

• Community support, newcomer services, and cultural programming. 

• https://www.vcn.bc.ca/hispanic/hcc.html 

Resources for the Iranian Community 

• Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) 

• Counselling in Farsi and trauma-informed support for individuals impacted by political violence and displacement. 

• https://www.vastbc.ca 

• SUCCESS (Farsi Counselling Services) 

• Sliding-scale and free counselling, settlement services, housing and emotional support. 

• 604-408-7266 

• https://www.successbc.ca 

• Iranian Information Center of British Columbia 

• Community events, cultural connection, and settlement information. 

• https://www.iranianinfo.ca 

• UNHCR – Psycho-Social Support in Iran 

• Information on free counselling services for people in Iran. 

• https://help.unhcr.org/iran/en/what-are-the-main-services-for-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-in-iran/psycho-social-support/ 

Resources for the Afghan Community 

• BC4Afghans 

• Community-led support for Afghans in British Columbia. 

• https://www.bc4afghans.ca 

• Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture 

• Mental health care and trauma-informed support for refugees. 

• https://www.vastbc.ca 

• Burnaby Neighbourhood House – Afghan Support Program 

• Settlement and community support services for Afghan newcomers. 

• https://www.burnabynh.ca 

Resources for the Pakistani Community 

• Roshni Clinic 

• Culturally responsive mental health services for South Asian communities. 

• https://www.fraserhealth.ca 

To students directly affected: you are not alone on this campus. Your grief, fear, and frustration are valid. 

To the broader community: lead with care. Choose empathy. Assume someone beside you might be carrying more than you can see. 

We will continue to advocate for accessible supports and policies that recognize students are whole people, shaped by global realities. 

Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other.