Archive for category: Refugees and Displaced Persons

Information and news on Energy and Electricity

, ,

Advancing SDG 1 in Lebanon: Building Livelihoods

SDG 1 in LebanonWith nine out of 10 Syrian refugees in Lebanon unable to meet their basic needs, eight out of 10 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon living in poverty and almost a million citizens internally displaced, sweeping international aid cuts in 2025 threaten to plunge hundreds of thousands deeper into destitution. The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports a 74% funding shortfall for its Lebanon operation, forcing severe reductions in health, shelter and cash assistance programs. As the world pursues Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, the mission of ending poverty in all its forms, the current crisis in Lebanon serves as a poignant reminder that emergency aid alone cannot break the cycle. In response to this reality, innovative programs are pivoting to build sustainable refugee livelihoods in Lebanon, creating economic stepping stones for the most vulnerable while fortifying fractured local communities. Here is information about SDG 1 in Lebanon.

A Multilayered Crisis for Refugees

Lebanon hosts more than 660,000 registered Syrian refugees and around 450,000 Palestinian refugees, a population whose acute vulnerability is layered upon the host country’s own profound economic collapse, ranked among the world’s worst since the 19th century. A 2025 socio-economic assessment by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) found that 90% of Syrian refugees in Lebanon now live in extreme poverty, while a U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) report found that more than 80% of their Palestinian counterparts to be in similar circumstances of pauperism.

On top of this economic devastation, the war with Israel which began in late 2023 has compounded the plight of the most vulnerable immensely with Israeli hostilities still ongoing despite an official ceasefire. As of late 2024, the warfare has displaced more than 878,000 people within Lebanon, damaged vital infrastructure like water facilities and schools and further constricted the already narrow space for economic activity, particularly in southern border regions.

The Systemic Barriers to Livelihoods

For refugees and the undocumented internally displaced, legal and systemic barriers obstruct the path to a secure livelihood in Lebanon. Restrictive work permit policies and the collapse of formal labor markets has pushed refugees into informal, precarious and often exploitative work. This reality traps families in a cycle of aid dependency, just as that aid is being withdrawn, while impeding any viable path toward real economic recovery. The humanitarian sector itself faces internal challenges in fostering sustainable solutions. Research from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) highlights that despite commitments to “localization”—the effort to empower national and community-based organizations—funding and decision-making authority often remain centralized within large international agencies. This disconnect has hindered the development of responsive, culturally attuned livelihood programs that are integrated into local economic ecosystems.

A Model for Empowerment: The IRC’s Social Recovery Project

A concrete example of an approach designed to overcome these barriers is the Support for Social Recovery Needs of Vulnerable Groups Phase II (SRP2) project, a $5.6 million initiative that the World Bank funded and the IRC implemented. Through a strategy designed to pivot away from the conventional myopic, top-down, stop-gap unilateral relief funding that perpetuates cycles of dependency, the project finances a network of Lebanese NGOs to deliver integrated capacity-building interventions. This includes critical support services such as case management for gender-based violence survivors and mental health counselling, which address the profound psychosocial distress that can prevent individuals from seeking or maintaining employment.

The project explicitly links recovery services to long-term economic empowerment through a design that integrates vocational training, digital skills development and job placement support directly into its recovery framework. Increased access to and improved quality of services for its target groups—including GBV survivors, individuals with mental health challenges and persons with disabilities—measure its success. For instance, a survivor of violence receiving psychosocial support can also access market-relevant skills training, breaking the isolation of trauma and building practical avenues to income. By channeling World Bank funds through the IRC to local NGO partners, the model actively builds in-country organizational resilience. This “graduation” approach to partnership seeks to foster stronger, self-reliant local institutions, directly addressing the localization gap identified in sectoral research.

The Imperative for Strategic Investment

Broader humanitarian planning reflects the strategic shift towards livelihoods. The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) 2025 Crisis Response Plan for Lebanon allocates $12.6 million specifically for “livelihoods and economic recovery” operating on the rationale that investing in people’s economic agency is a cornerstone of stability. IRC research has found that NGOs run nearly 70% of primary healthcare centers in Lebanon, corroborating the sector’s pivotal role where state capacity is still limited. Supporting these local actors to deliver economic programs is not only a natural extension of their work, but also a prudent use of already established and experienced local networks.

The Path Forward for SDG 1 in Lebanon

Achieving SDG 1 in Lebanon demands a layered, forward-looking strategy to confront the livelihood crisis for refugees and the internally displaced. Immediate humanitarian support remains critical to prevent a catastrophic deterioration in living standards, making the current funding shortfall an urgent priority. Concurrently, donors and implementers must strategically and significantly scale up investments in sustainable refugee livelihoods and rebuilding efforts. This means funding integrated programs that pair protection services with skills training, advocating for policies that expand legal work rights, and, most importantly, following through on localization commitments by providing flexible, direct funding to native organizations with the community knowledge to run effective programs. A durable cessation of Israeli military aggression in the south remains a fundamental prerequisite for stability and economic recovery.

Programs like SRP2 demonstrate that by intentionally linking recovery to economic opportunity and by strengthening local partners, international aid can transition from sustaining dependence to fostering self-reliance. For SDG 1 to move from aspiration to reality in Lebanon, enabling the displaced to resettle and empowering refugees to build their own sustainable livelihoods is an indispensable approach.

– Georgio Moussa

Georgio is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

The African Nation Leading the World: Uganda’s Refugees

Uganda's RefugeesHosting the most asylum-seekers in Africa and the fifth most in the world, Uganda offers refugees a safe and welcoming place. The country employs an open-door policy to help anyone in need. Currently, more than 1.7 million refugees live in Uganda, most from neighboring countries facing humanitarian crises. Many have come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia—countries battling war or terrorism. About 54% of Uganda’s refugees are children and 26% are women, many of whom have lost their families and endured severe sexual and physical violence. For many, Uganda is the first safe place they have experienced.

Uganda’s commitment to hosting refugees goes beyond providing shelter. The government, along with international organizations, has implemented initiatives to help refugees rebuild their lives. These efforts reflect the country’s broader approach to refugee welfare, turning policy into tangible support for millions of displaced people.

Support Available to Uganda’s Refugees

  • Land. Uganda offers refugees small plots of land to grow and cultivate food. About 78% of rural refugees own agricultural land. This not only helps refugees support themselves and their families but also boosts Uganda’s economy and is a key reason the country can house so many.
  • Education. All child refugees receive a free education. There are also initiatives beyond basic schooling, including programs for adults. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has worked in the country to help prevent gender-based violence (GBV). A total of 135,080 men, women and children took part in a program that increased awareness of GBV, particularly male accountability. In addition, 27% of child refugees aged 5 to 17 received support for psychosocial development and 20,000 parents and caregivers received positive parenting training to strengthen child well-being and safety.
  • Green Initiative. By December 2024, 68,062 refugee and host community households in Uganda had received energy-efficient cookstoves, covering 44.5% of refugee households since 2020 and reaching 75.6% of the 2024 response plan target. Refugees also produced 45.1 tons of briquettes, most of which were sold for income. The cookstoves improved daily life as well, providing a cleaner option that helps prevent respiratory issues.
  • Health Care. As well as receiving free basic health care, Ugandan refugees are vaccinated to prevent potential pandemics. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) supplied 98.1% of refugees in Uganda with the measles vaccination. Although reports of outbreaks appeared in various refugee settlements, all were resolved with zero casualties.

The Future of Uganda’s Refugees

Uganda’s struggle with economic hardship raises questions about the future of refugees in the country. The number of struggling neighboring countries has led to a large influx of refugees, adding further stress on resources.

Although refugees feel safe, their quality of life remains imperfect. Schools and health facilities are overcrowded, reducing the quality of care and education for both refugees and hosts. In addition, 48% of asylum-seekers live in poverty and many blame Uganda’s self-reliance strategies and livelihood training. After receiving land, many refugees are responsible for their own survival, yet the training beforehand is not comprehensive. Beyond farming, job opportunities for refugees are limited, particularly since Uganda was already facing high unemployment before the influx of asylum seekers.

Multiple organizations are working to alleviate the pressure on resources. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is active in the country, partnering with local and global nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide various types of aid. UNICEF and GAVI address health concerns, including vaccination programs. In addition, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda and recently received €5 million from the European Union (EU) to continue its mission. RISE is also working to improve education and aims to reach 85,372 children and 12,264 teachers.

Looking Ahead

Overall, to continue supporting vulnerable refugees, Uganda needs support and funding from global organizations. Better training for asylum seekers before they receive land, as well as access to more public facilities for the entire population, is also needed. This could be challenging, as countries around the world are reducing foreign aid and organizations are already struggling with funding. WFP, for example, had to halt food assistance to nearly one million refugees, while others received reduced rations. Uganda’s generosity has set a global example and the future of its refugees depends on continued international support.

– Lysia Wright

Lysia is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Working with Refugee Resettlement Sites

Refugee Resettlement SitesCatholic Charities in the Greater Boston area helps to resettle refugees from all over the world, including the countries of Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Cuba, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan and Vietnam. These individuals and families face linguistic, economic, cultural and legal challenges and they help arrivals integrate into society. They offer families a place to live and job support by helping refugees find places to work as well as English language training.

The Borgen Project spoke with a volunteer who has worked as the lead of a community sponsorship site for the past two years about her experience working with the families and leading a team of volunteers. As a student and somebody who works with individuals with varying levels of immigration status, they did wish to remain anonymous. Asking her about her experience working with newly arriving families, specifically from Haiti and Cape Verde, at a location that focuses on refugee resettlement and integration into the community. 

Refugee Resettlement Camps

Resettlement happens when a conflict prevents refugees from being able to go home or they’re living in conditions that are dangerous or aren’t meeting their needs. Formerly, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) defines resettlement as the transfer of refugees from an asylum country to another state that has agreed to admit them. Often, resettlement requires the participation of many different agents, including different states, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), civil society and the communities that the refugees are relocating to.

Working with Refugees

The Borgen Project spoke with a volunteer about her experience working at a refugee resettlement camp for the past two years, asking what she does during her volunteer hours and what it is like working with the people there. The particular site they worked with was set up as a temporary housing facility for refugees coming into the area so that they could start to look for jobs. Their children, if they had any, could get acclimated in the school system and they could participate in English workshops. 

“During my past two years at this resettlement location, I’ve primarily worked with the children at the site, which has been a very fulfilling and insightful experience. Most of the families coming to this site are coming from Haiti and Cape Verde, meaning that, along with being in a new environment, there is a language barrier as well. The kids I’ve been working with speak a mix of French, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole while trying to learn English. Something I’ve been the most impressed by is how quick the kids, in particular, are able to learn English.”

Residents spend afternoons hanging out and playing with the kids. On some days, they are outside playing soccer or basketball. On other days, they are helping out with homework. “The kids at these sites are amazing, always looking out for their siblings and the other kids there. While some days are tougher than others, putting it into perspective, these kids are living in one-bedroom, one bathroom suites with their entire families, with other families next to and across the hall from them.” 

The Reality of Refugee Resettlement

Refugee resettlement is hard and the majority of refugees have made long journeys under tough circumstances and it takes a lot of support to get to a stable position. Organizations like Catholic Charities are just one example of NGOs that invest resources with the intent of helping refugees find a community that welcomes them with open arms. 

There are many aspects of the resettlement process and supporting and creating a space for the children is often an overlooked part of the process. Working with families, specifically the kids upon their arrival and helping them adjust, as well as being an outlet for them, is incredibly important but does not get as much recognition. Refugee resettlement also involves many critical components, including the legal work required for families and individuals. While volunteers at resettlement sites may not always contribute to the legal needs of refugees, donating their time and skills has proven to be just as valuable.

Looking Forward

Going forward, refugee resettlement remains an essential service supported by numerous NGOs and dedicated volunteers. People around the world face resettlement for many reasons and they often encounter linguistic, economic, cultural and legal challenges when they arrive. Through the work of NGOs, refugee resettlement programs provide the support needed to help individuals and families adjust and thrive in a new environment.

– Olivia Peters

Olivia is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Reasons For Venezuela’s Displacement Crisis

Venezuela’s Displacement CrisisSince 2014, Venezuela has faced a major displacement crisis. With limited access to basic rights, food, medicine and other essentials, many Venezuelans have turned to extreme survival strategies, the most common being to flee the country.

Around 8 million people have left Venezuela, making it the world’s second-largest displacement crisis. Of these, about 6.7 million migrants and refugees remain in Latin American and Caribbean countries, with Colombia hosting the largest share at 2.8 million. 

Economic Collapse

Venezuela’s displacement crisis is fundamentally rooted in a devastating economic collapse. Triggered by a perfect storm of plummeting oil prices, mismanaged state policies and weakening sanctions. With oil accounting for 95% of Venezuela’s export earnings, the 2014 collapse in global oil prices wiped out the country’s main revenue stream.

As inflation soared to hyperinflationary heights, with annual rates exceeding 344,510%, Venezuela lost access to essential services. Around 90% of the population cannot afford food, which has led to widespread breakdowns in health and nutrition.

Analysts have described Venezuela’s economy as “free fall,” with GDP shrinking by roughly one-third between 2013 and the mid-2010s. Adding to these pressures, U.S.-led sanctions, described by Tricontinental as “Unilateral Coercive Measures,” have deepened Venezuela’s economic collapse. Between 2017 and December 2024, they wiped out oil revenues equal to 213% of GDP, a staggering loss of more than $200 billion.

This economic failure has forced millions into poverty and desperation. Unable to meet basic needs at home, Venezuelans were compelled to flee in search of security and subsistence, which makes the country’s economic collapse one of the main drivers of its displacement crisis.

Political Instability

Political instability in Venezuela has become a powerful catalyst for Venezuela’s displacement crisis, propelled by authoritarian repression, democratic erosion and systematic violence. Since the July 2024 election, state forces and pro-government colectivos have carried out pervasive abuses and killings. They have enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture specifically targeting protesters, opposition members and innocent bystanders.

In 2025, Freedom House classified Venezuela as “not free,” citing the collapse of democratic structures and the elimination of dissent, while a recent U.N. Fact-Finding Mission confirmed ongoing crimes against humanity involving political persecution. This political violence has stripped Venezuelans of safety and legal recourse. When peaceful protest leads to detention or disappearance, families see exile as the only option.

The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) 2025 crisis response cites political persecution alongside all the violence as core drivers of migration. Together, systematic repression and institutional collapse have made political instability a central force behind Venezuela’s displacement crisis.

Human Rights Violations

Human rights violations are another major force behind Venezuela’s displacement crisis, with thousands of people facing violence, mistreatment and fear for their safety. Reports from Amnesty International describe widespread arbitrary arrests, in which individuals are detained without explanation or access to legal support. Many detainees are held in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, facing beatings, denial of medical care and psychological abuse.

The U.N. Fact-Finding Mission and other human rights groups have also documented enforced disappearances where individuals vanish, being taken away by security forces. This leaves families in a state of uncertainty for weeks or months. The U.K.’s June 2025 Statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council reports more than 900 individuals arbitrarily detained or forced to disappear. Legal safeguards have been gutted, with civil society stifled under “Anti-NGO” legislation.

Moreover, enforced disappearances have continued into mid-2025. Amnesty International reports at least 15 cases of forced disappearances, of which eight remain unsolved. Victims include children, Journalists and everyday citizens who have simply spoken out about shortages, poor services or safety concerns.

These abuses have caused deep emotional trauma, family disruption and a constant climate of fear. For many, the risk of being targeted is so high that leaving Venezuela becomes the only way to protect themselves and their loved ones.

What’s Being Done To Help?

A combination of international agencies, humanitarian organizations and regional governments is leading efforts to address Venezuela’s displacement crisis. Indeed, the U.N. Refugee Agency and IOM coordinate large-scale assistance through regional refugee and migrant response plans. These organizations deliver emergency shelter, food, health care and documentation support to Venezuelans across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Nongovernmental organizations like World Vision and Amnesty International are working to protect vulnerable groups, provide psychological support and ensure displaced children can continue their education. Additionally, the Quito Process, a regional initiative involving more than a dozen countries, is helping harmonize policies on temporary protection status, enabling migrants to work legally and access public services.

With sustained global attention, coordinated aid and fair treatment for those displaced, there is hope to ease the suffering and help millions rebuild their lives beyond the borders of Venezuela.

– Charlie Wood

Charlie is based in West Yorkshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

How NGOs Are Saving Refugee Education in Lebanon

How NGOs Are Saving Refugee Education in Lebanon Amid a deepening economic crisis, on-the-ground nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are leading a shift in refugee education in Lebanon. With nearly half of school-aged Syrian refugee children in Lebanon out of school and Palestinian refugees facing decades of underfunded educational infrastructure, organizations such as Basmeh & Zeitooneh, Save the Children and International Network for Aid Relief and Assistance (INARA) are working to expand access to education.

A Struggling System

Lebanon hosts one of the highest refugee per‐capita ratios in the world, with nearly 1.5 million Syrians and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Public schools remain overwhelmed and under-resourced. The “second shift” program designed for Syrian refugees has repeatedly suffered denial of access due to arbitrary closures, delayed enrollment and restrictive local policies. Host-country mandates like certifying prior education or having official residency documents block thousands from enrolling. In 2021, only about 40% of school-age Syrian refugees in Lebanon were in formal education, while nearly 200,000 had never attended school.

Grassroots Innovation: What NGOs Are Doing

By addressing the trauma and lived experiences of displaced children, NGOs are revolutionizing refugee education in Lebanon. Basmeh & Zeitooneh run community centers and offer nonformal education and psychological support for refugee children. Through holistic education, the organization combats child labour and early marriage. Save the Children reports that Lebanon hosts more than 660,000 school‑age Syrian refugees, with at least half out of school, launching a hybrid learning program by distributing tablets, running virtual classrooms and providing mental health resources.

INARA has provided rapid-response medical and mental health support to displaced children in Lebanon, and occasionally offers informal educational services as part of holistic care. These NGOs ensure that academic progress is never separated from emotional well-being — a critical consideration for trauma-exposed youth. They also highlight how grassroots innovation is reshaping refugee education in Lebanon, especially for those left out of formal systems. The impact of NGOs in Lebanon is far-reaching, demonstrating what inclusive, community-led education programs can look like worldwide.

Looking Ahead

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), refugee children who access education are more likely to avoid child labor, forced marriage and recruitment by armed groups. Hence, when refugee children are denied education, cycles of poverty and instability become entrenched, putting future generations at risk. But when they are given the tools to learn — through organizations that understand their specific needs — they have a chance not just to survive, but to thrive. Sustaining the progress so far will require continued support for grassroots solutions, collaboration with the Lebanese government to strengthen education policies and a shared commitment to protecting refugee education in Lebanon.

– Riddhi Sharma

Riddhi is based in Richmond, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Syrian Women in Jordan Redefining Advocacy

Syrian Women in JordanJordan’s Za’atari and Azraq refugee camps, which collectively host more than 650,000 Syrian refugees, have evolved beyond their initial purpose of providing emergency shelter. These camps have become hubs for female empowerment and grassroots activism, fostering a supportive environment for change. What began as basic shelters to protect those fleeing the devastating conflict in Syria has grown into vibrant spaces where women are actively redefining refugee resilience and showcasing strength.

Through the efforts of innovative community organizations and strategic partnerships with various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), Syrian women in Jordan are addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, gaps in education and economic exclusion. At the same time, they are challenging longstanding stereotypes about the capabilities and roles of refugees, demonstrating resilience, agency and the potential for positive transformation within refugee communities.

Building Women-Led Governance Structures

Leading this important movement within the camps is the Women’s Committee in Za’atari camp, a pioneering female-majority decision-making body that has been at the forefront of advocating for meaningful improvements across the entire camp community. Its initiatives include the installation of better lighting in key areas to enhance safety—significantly reducing risks of gender-based violence in the dark alleyways—and establishing comprehensive childcare centers that allow mothers to participate in work opportunities or training programmes, thereby promoting economic independence and empowerment.

These grassroots efforts are further bolstered and expanded through support from centres like the United Nations Women’s “Oasis” safe spaces, which actively operate in both Za’atari and Azraq camps. These centres serve 4,000 women monthly, offering a wide range of services such as cash-for-work opportunities, gender-based violence prevention workshops, leadership and skills training and psychosocial support. Additionally, the organization makes a concerted effort to involve men and boys in gender equality discussions, recognizing the importance of engaging the whole community in creating sustainable change and promoting gender equality at all levels. 

Economic Empowerment Through Skills and Solidarity

Economic initiatives have proven especially transformative for refugee women navigating the challenges posed by Jordan’s strict and often difficult work permit system. One prominent example is the Made in Za’atari Center, a facility funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that focuses on empowering women by training them in various marketable skills, such as food processing, handicraft production and other vocational trades. This program also generously provides free childcare services, which are a vital support system that enables women to participate actively in the workforce or skill development activities without the concern of unpaid caregiving responsibilities.

Similarly, the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) neonatal kit programme actively employs Syrian women in Jordan, engaging them in the assembly of essential baby supplies, such as diapers, clothing and health items. This initiative not only provides a reliable source of income for the women involved but also plays a crucial role in improving maternal health outcomes within the refugee camps. Collectively, these programmes illustrate how humanitarian aid can extend beyond mere short-term relief efforts, evolving into comprehensive approaches that foster sustainable livelihood opportunities, empower women and contribute to the long-term resilience of refugee communities.

Educating the Next Generation

Education has increasingly become a vital and symbolic arena in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and empowerment across the globe. In particular, Syrian refugee women have taken on a significant role in this arena, exemplifying resilience and leadership.

They constitute more than 60% of UNICEF’s 413 education volunteers in Za’atari, serving not only as teachers but also as mentors who provide crucial support to young girls, encouraging them to stay in school despite numerous challenges. Their dedicated efforts are further bolstered by recent initiatives such as the expansion of kindergarten facilities within both refugee camps, which now offer educational spaces for nearly 4,000 preschool-aged children.

Advocates highlight this development as a critical step, emphasizing that quality early childhood education is a fundamental right and a necessary safeguard against child marriage and other harmful practices. Additionally, organizations like the Jordanian Women’s Union (JWU) have played a pivotal role in strengthening these initiatives by creating links between Syrian activists and Jordanian feminist networks. This collaboration fosters cross-community solidarity and reinforces shared commitments to gender equality, social justice and the protection of girls and women in these vulnerable settings.

Lighting the Way Forward

The achievements of Syrian women in Jordan’s refugee camps offer insights for humanitarian response worldwide. They have demonstrated that refugee women are not just vulnerable populations in need of aid but also capable leaders who can drive meaningful and lasting change when provided with the right resources, opportunities and platforms.

The women have shown resilience and innovation in overcoming numerous challenges, such as legal exclusion, funding instability and social barriers. Their efforts have laid the groundwork for more sustainable, community-led approaches to crisis response, including establishing governance structures, economic cooperatives and educational initiatives that empower others in their communities.

The lights installed by Za’atari’s Women’s Committee, which illuminate the camp each night, reflect their broader contribution: even in the darkest and most difficult circumstances, Syrian women in Jordan are finding ways to light the path forward and inspire hope for a brighter future.

– Emilia Bartle

Emilia is based in Watford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Positive Developments at Zamzam Camp in Sudan

Zamzam Camp in SudanZamzam refugee camp is approximately 15 kilometers outside El-Fasher, North Darfur, in southwestern Sudan. Many consider this camp to be the largest camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in the world. The government and humanitarian organizations established Zamzam in 2004 to respond to the surge of displaced individuals caused by the outbreak of conflict in the Darfur region.

Zamzam began as a temporary shelter for those fleeing conflict, violence and devastation. Since then, Zamzam has grown into an expansive settlement, hosting 120,000 people, including 54,000 families. Here are six facts about positive developments at Zamzam camp for IDPs in Sudan, despite its current instability.

Education for Children

According to the European Union External Action (EUAA), almost 30 schools within the camp contribute to educating 25,000 enrolled children. Many children in this camp have never been outside due to the conflict, making these schools incredibly important for their development and education.

Support for Children

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supported children within Zamzam, successfully creating Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS). These safe places aim to help in dealing with the stream of traumatized children and teenagers arriving at this refugee camp. According to UNICEF, an average day in CFS entails taking their minds off the horrors going on throughout the country by working with psycho-social support workers.

Community-Led Initiatives

Despite the conflict and siege, the community has come together to assist in positive developments at Zamzam by helping supply the refugees with food and water. The United Nations (U.N.) has interviewed young people in Sudan who have come together to tackle the famine-stricken conditions in Zamzam. The organization explains that many people go there to volunteer in community kitchens to provide food to the various shelters around the camp.

UN Aid Convoy Security

In 2025, armed groups attacked a U.N. aid convoy, leading to the death of five humanitarian actors working for UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP). This devastating attack has increased security for all future aid convoys and the protection of humanitarian actors.

Water Relief From COOPI

An international NGO called COOPI recently delivered clean water, latrines and sanitation kits to around 9,000 people. Since the civil war broke out in 2023, this NGO has amplified its humanitarian efforts in North Darfur and Zamzam. It uses a multi-sectoral approach to provide essential human needs.

SAPA’s Integrated Emergency and Resilience Project

This project from the Sudanese American Physician Association (SAPA) has led to significant humanitarian efforts with the funding of the Schmidt Family Foundation. According to SAPA, this project has provided Zamzam IDP camp with emergency aid, such as food, health care and water relief, to more than 229,000 people.

Additionally, SAPA’s project includes the secondary phase implementation of a long-term recovery/resilience plan. This phase of the project consists of forming a youth development center. Furthermore, the SAPA team designed it to help train future generations in essential trades that will help rebuild Sudan.

In recent years, amid ongoing instability in Sudan, there have been positive developments at the Zamzam camp for IDPs in Sudan, many aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. From increased humanitarian aid and improved water and sanitation infrastructure to educational initiatives and community-led programs, Zamzam is slowly evolving from a place of emergency shelter to one of cautious hope.

– Emma Dornan

Emma is based in Fife, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, , ,

Empowering Refugees in Kenya Amid Poverty

Empowering Refugees in KenyaKenya has launched several groundbreaking initiatives to empower refugees in Kenya and reduce long-term poverty and dependency. As of 2025, according to the Operational Data Portal, the total number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya is 854,876, with the majority coming from Somalia (54%).

According to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, economic constraints, bureaucracy, little refugee engagement and little infrastructure hinder the improvement of empowering refugees in Kenya. However, despite struggles, initiatives have continued to progress.

Transforming Camps Into Municipalities

In March 2025, according to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, President William Ruto unveiled the ambitious “Shirika Plan.” This signals a paradigm shift in empowering refugees in Kenya. Inspired by the Swahili word for “cooperation,” this 11-year initiative aims to integrate refugee camps into formal municipalities, notably Kakuma and Dadaab.

With more than 830,000 refugees across Kakuma, Dadaab and urban zones, the plan’s initiative marks a historic step toward sustainable, development-led inclusion. According to the Ministry of Interior and the National Administration, some of the key components include:

  • Ensuring refugees access national services such as education, health care and financial systems alongside Kenyans.
  • Issuing the Kenya Education Management Information System school registration and the Social Health Insurance Fund enrollment.
  • Streamlined service delivery under the Turkana and Garissa county administrations.
  • A projected budget of around $943 million, overseen by a multi-agency steering committee.

Microloans for Refugees and Hosts

In February of 2024, Equity Bank, with backing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), launched a $20 million risk-sharing facility. According to Equity Group Holdings, this is aimed at expanding unsecured microloans to refugees and host-community entrepreneurs across 14 counties, all empowering refugees in Kenya. This marks the world’s first such dedicated facility for forcibly displaced individuals.

Some of the major highlights of the facility, according to Equity Group Holdings, include:

  • Covering 50% of the risk exposure.
  • Financial literacy and agribusiness capacity-building delivered via Equity Group Foundation.
  • Projecting 25 million new jobs to empower refugees in Kenya by 2030.

Equity Group CEO James Mwangi underlined the initiative’s goal of transforming lives, dignifying refugees and fostering wealth creation.

Scaling Refugee Entrepreneurship

Rwanda-founded social enterprise Inkomoko has played a transformative role in supporting refugee and host-community entrepreneurs in Kenya. According to the organization, its support model has:

  • Served more than 12,00 clients and deployed more than $6 million in capital.
  • Helped create more than 2,500 jobs.
  • Supports more than 4,000 entrepreneurs annually, delivering business advisory, training and low-interest loans.

Examples illustrate the real impact, such as tailor Adele Mubalama, who grew her Kakuma-based business to employ 26 people and earn approximately $8,300. Similarly, according to Finance Commerce, former Ethiopian soldier Mesfin Getahun expanded his “Jesus is Lord” retail chain using a $115,00 loan from Inkomoko.

“We find that refugee business owners actually have the characteristics that make world-class entrepreneurs,” Inkomoko runner Julienne Oyler said, reporting on Finance Commerce.

Digital and Leadership Empowerment via Amahoro Coalition

Founded by Isaac Kwaku Foku, the Amahoro Coalition champions digital inclusion and leadership among refugees. Some highlights, according to the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), include:

  • 2022 partnership with Kenya’s Aijira Digital Program to enable Kakuma and Dadaab residents to work online, delivering business solutions to Kenyan companies via digital platforms.
  • Offering digital training free of charge to help transition to online jobs.

Mandating the country a “digital freelancing hub” supporting youth in accessing jobs online. Additionally, in June 2024, Amahoro launched a 12-month mentorship program for women with lived displacement experience within the Amahoro Fellowship. Amahoro is moving refugees beyond humanitarian aid toward genuine economic participation and leadership by merging digital capacity-building, mentorship and private-sector engagement.

Rights, Resources and the Road Ahead

While these strides signal hope, key challenges remain. Refugees still lack full freedom of movement and citizenship rights, limiting mobility and economic opportunity. Camp schools run at 300% capacity and water sanitation infrastructure remains inadequate.

Observers warn that prioritizing livelihoods over rights could jeopardize long-term inclusion. Broader legal protections and clear citizenship pathways are still urgently needed. 

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Refugee Week 2025: Top 10 Events

Refugee Week 2025: Top 10 eventsJune 16-22, 2025, was Refugee Week, a seven-day festival of exhibitions, talks and events honouring the growing community of those who have been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution and human rights violations. Taking place in June each year to coincide with June 20, World Refugee Day, the theme for 2025 was ‘Community as a Superpower’, highlighting the importance of banding together to show simple acts of kindness to those who have had to flee their homes. 

Top 10 Events

Below is a list of the top 10 events that took place during Refugee Week in the United Kingdom (U.K.) across schools, community centers and online.

  1. Serving up Sisterhood Recipe Book. Women for Women International (WfWI), an organisation set up following the Bosnian War where bad actors used rape as a weapon of war against an estimated 50,000 women, has released Serving up Sisterhood, a free, online recipe book. The e-book features 15 traditional recipes from women from 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Kosovo and Nigeria and hopes to evoke flavors of home and foster a sense of community among displaced women and women in poverty.  
  2. Big Leaf Foundation’s Refugee Week (Surrey). Big Leaf Foundation, a Surrey-based organisation working to improve the wellbeing of young displaced people, hosted a series of events this Refugee Week, including an Open Mic night featuring rap, poetry and storytelling; a Sports for Connection football tournament; and Welcome to Our Table, a theatre performance incorporating elements of spoken word, shadow puppetry, live music and food.
  3. The Refugee Week 2025 Film Program. Counterpoints Arts and Other Cinemas joined forces to come up with a film program for the week, which includes two feature-length films (from Gaza and Afghanistan) and five shorts (from Vietnam, Jamaica, Nigeria, Iran and El Salvador). Furthermore, all of the films are free and globally accessible and explore personal experiences of those who have fled their homes. 
  4. ‘Photos of Edinburgh by New Scots’ Exhibition. A new exhibition at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh depicts the city through the eyes of refugees and migrants who are new to the Scottish capital. Having all taken part in English classes at the cathedral, the photographers display their new home as they see it, providing a new outlook on the city. The exhibition ran through June 30, 2025.
  5. Community Clean-Up. Yorkshire VOICES Network hosted a Community Clean-Up in Leeds, empowering refugees to become more active members of their community. The event also had the aim of raising awareness of the need to protect the environment, strengthening community bonds and providing a platform for refugees to speak up about their neighbourhoods.
  6. ‘Pigments of Prose’ exhibition. Curated in partnership with Portsmouth Libraries and Archives, Portsmouth Central Library has organised an exhibition running until Oct. 1, 2025. Drawing upon themes of migration, resilience and cultural identity, this diverse exhibition of poetry, visual art and lived experiences of migration invites those who visit to reflect on their notions of expression and community.
  7. ‘A Place at the Table’ Exhibition. In the run-up to Refugee Week, Mercer Art Gallery held a series of workshops for Afghan women who now live in Harrogate. Seated around a large table, the women spent six weeks crafting a tablecloth whilst sharing their personal stories, uniting them while they created a unique piece of art. The tablecloth was on display at the museum during Refugee Week.
  8. Self-Advocacy Workshop. The Leeds Refugee Forum set up this workshop, which was open to all, with the aim of teaching those who have been displaced how to speak up for themselves and communicate their needs. There were also members of staff to answer questions that those attending had about advocating for themselves.
  9. Refugee Education Conference. The University of Winchester led a conference uniting refugees and those who work to support them. With exhibitions, presentations and workshops, as well as networking amongst local charity members, the event promoted an increased understanding of education, particularly how to support young refugees succeed in the education system.
  10. ‘To Own Nothing and the Whole World’ Exhibition. Artists Henna Asikainen and Roua Horanieh put together this exhibition on home and belonging at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, which will show until July 6, 2025. Featuring foraged materials from the local area, the art focuses on the links between migration and the environment, specifically the interconnectedness of people, plants and places. 

Looking Ahead

Refugee Week highlights the experiences of forcibly displaced people and includes events that recognize the cultures and resilience of refugee communities. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), one in every 67 people worldwide has been forced to flee their home and children make up 40% of all refugees. However, efforts like donating to refugee-focused charities, volunteering with local organizations or helping to foster a welcoming environment can spell a more positive future for refugee communities.

– Elsa Tarring

Elsa is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Making Mental Health in Global Aid a Priority

Making Mental Health a Priority in Global AidMental health remains underrepresented in global humanitarian response. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), common mental health conditions account for 10% of the global disease burden, yet mental health programs receive less than 2% of international health funding. In humanitarian settings, mental health challenges are widespread: data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates that up to one in three displaced individuals may experience depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress. In conflict zones, refugee camps and low-income communities, unaddressed trauma and psychological distress hinder recovery, education and development. These conditions often go untreated, limiting the effectiveness of education, health and livelihood interventions.

Mental Health in Crisis Settings

Access to mental health care remains limited in many low-income countries. In Syria, more than half of displaced children report symptoms of depression and anxiety, but only a small portion receive psychological support, as reported by Médecins Sans Frontières. Children with untreated mental health conditions often struggle in school. Adults experiencing psychological trauma may find it difficult to participate in the workforce, while entire communities suffer from weakened social cohesion. These ongoing challenges perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

A Shift Toward Integrated Solutions

Several organizations now recognize the value of integrating mental health into humanitarian aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) equips local health workers in Lebanon and South Sudan with training in psychological first aid and ongoing mental health care. This approach ensures sustainability and culturally appropriate care while reducing stigma.

In Nepal, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) runs community-based mental health programs that are both cost-effective and scalable. By training teachers, social workers and community leaders to identify and refer individuals with mental health needs, TPO Nepal ensures that services reach even the most remote areas. These community-based models improve sustainability and reduce stigma.

Mental Health Crisis Among Marginalized Groups

Even in high-income nations, marginalized communities face significant mental health challenges. Indigenous groups in Canada and Australia report high rates of suicide and depression linked to intergenerational trauma and systemic neglect. A 2023 report by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues called for culturally grounded mental health services as part of international development partnerships.

In British Columbia, Canada’s First Nations Health Authority has launched community-led healing programs rooted in Indigenous traditions. These initiatives, supported in part by development funding, serve as a model for mental health in global aid that respects cultural identity while addressing clinical needs.

Likewise, refugee communities in Europe face significant barriers to mental health care. Programs like the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network bridge the gap by providing trauma-informed therapy to displaced people from Syria, Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. 

The Economic and Social Payoff

According to the World Bank, each dollar invested in mental health generates a $4 return through better health outcomes and increased productivity. According to the WHO, untreated depression and anxiety in low-income countries cost  $1 trillion annually. Moreover, mental health support enhances the effectiveness of other aid sectors. For instance, in education, children receiving psychosocial support are more likely to stay in school. In post-conflict reconstruction, communities with mental health services are better equipped to rebuild trust and social infrastructure.

Moving Forward

Expanding the role of mental health in humanitarian aid involves increasing financial investment, integrating psychological support into broader health initiatives and supporting community-based, culturally informed services. Training local health workers can potentially improve the accessibility and continuity of care while helping reduce stigma. As humanitarian needs become more complex, aligning mental health with long-term development efforts could enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of global aid.

– Rhasna Albuquerque

Rhasna is based in Fortaleza, Brazil and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr