Laura, a Colombian refugee living in Ecuador explains why narratives around migration in Latin America need to change. In her essay, Laura shares her experience of how people displaced within Latin America are overlooked as the dominant media narrative is about those heading north for the United States.

In order to protect their security, the author uses a pseudonym, Laura, and her essay is read out by The New Humanitarian's Sofia Kuan.

The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives.

To read more first-person stories, go to TheNewHumanitarian.org