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Lifting Hands International: Aiding Refugees from Afghanistan

Lifting Hands InternationalAfghanistan, a country located between Central and South Asia and with a population of 42.65 million, has faced more than 40 years of conflict and instability. This has led to a refugee and displacement crisis with many Afghans in desperate need of humanitarian support. However, whilst the refugee crisis is incredibly concerning, many organisations such as Lifting Hands International are actively aiding refugees from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Refugee Crisis

Afghanistan has a long history of conflict; however, that is not the only cause of the refugee crisis, but just one contributing factor. UNHCR states that other causes of the prolonged crisis are ‘natural disasters, chronic poverty, food insecurity, COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently a changeover in government authorities’. The complex and intertwined causes of the displacement of Afghans can, therefore, account for the scale of the crisis. The U.N. reported that 10.3 million Afghans are still facing displacement both within their country and globally, with 5.8 million Afghans displaced around the world.

Iran and Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan are the two countries with the largest number of Afghan refugees, with Iran hosting 3.5 million and Pakistan hosting 1.6 million, according to UNHCR. However, whilst these countries have accommodated displaced Afghans over the decades-long period of violence and instability, the recent efforts by the UNHCR in Iran and Pakistan, aiming to aid refugees from Afghanistan by enabling them to return home voluntarily, saw the number of Afghan refugees decrease by 10% at the end of last year.

However, as the World Bank reported in April this year, despite Afghanistan’s economy increasing by 2.5% in 2024, the return of refugees has increased the strain on an already fragile economy. Afghanistan’s high unemployment rates have led to increased food insecurity, with 14.8 million people suffering food shortages. Therefore, whilst aiding refugees from Afghanistan in returning home is important work, it is also key to continue to focus on supporting refugees in their host country as not to contribute to instability in Afghanistan.

Lifting Hands International

Lifting Hands International is a charity that has been providing aid to refugees around the world since 2016. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, the U.S. government launched the program, Operation Allies Welcome, to resettle Afghan refugees in the U.S. However, the housing items needed for Afghans to transition into residential housing, if not donated, comes out of their small stipend. Therefore, Lifting Hands International partnered with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to support their resettlement, providing groceries, school supplies, beds, and handmade quilts.

Furthermore, in addition to aiding refugees from Afghanistan in the U.S., Lifting Hands International also provides vital support to those suffering displacement within Afghanistan who often have to travel long distances to get water and suffer severe food insecurity as well. Lifting Hands International tackles this crisis by distributing essential aid supplies to the internally displaced, with a total of 9,045,218 aid items distributed across all of their programs.

Looking Forward

Whilst the refugee crisis is incredibly concerning, the many initiatives and charities dedicated to aiding refugees from Afghanistan are doing incredible work at eradicating the suffering of those displaced both within the country and globally. Continued advocacy and support for these charities is, therefore, essential in tackling the crisis.

– Victoria Adrados

Victoria is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Left Behind: Refugee Education in Jordan

Refugee Education in JordanHundreds of thousands of refugee children in Jordan remain cut off from their right to education, not because they lack the will to learn but because layers of bureaucratic red tape block them. Human Rights Watch reports that schools often ask families to present documents that many refugees cannot obtain, such as valid legal residency papers or certified school transcripts from the countries they fled. For those who escaped war or persecution with little more than the clothes on their backs, these requirements become impossible to meet. Hidden administrative fees and long processing delays further complicate the process, leaving even the most determined parents struggling to get their children into classrooms.

Jordan’s Struggles with Access to Education

Nearly one in three Syrians registered with the United Nations (U.N.) refugee agency in Jordan—about 226,000 of 660,000—are children between the ages of 5 and 17. In 2017, more than 80,000 of them did not receive any form of formal education. These obstacles keep countless children, particularly those from Syria and Sudan, out of classrooms and expose them to greater risks of child labor or early marriage.

A mother of an 8-year-old Syrian refugee student, Muhannad, shared her story: “I had a lot of difficulties with Muhannad, especially when he was diagnosed with autism. He didn’t like going to school, and the fact that teachers weren’t trained to deal with his case made it more difficult.”

Many families fled from Syria without official documentation or necessary civil documents, making enrolment for education nearly impossible. Additionally, the Jordanian Interior Ministry requires Syrian refugees to obtain a “Service Card,” which is often tied to a specific district. This creates an issue for families who have to move around to find work. 

Furthermore, Jordanian education authorities prohibit the enrollment of children who have been out of school for three years or more. This rule makes it extremely difficult for children affected by conflict and unable to secure the required documents to access basic education.

The culmination of these factors, along with asynchronous societal changes, has caused societal and economic shifts in Jordan to outpace the education system’s ability to adapt. Furthermore, significant policy and data gaps persist, particularly regarding unregistered refugees, creating a lack of comprehensive understanding of their educational needs.

Jordan’s Innovative Double-Shift School Model

Despite hosting one of the world’s largest Syrian refugee populations, the government, backed by international partners, has introduced “Double Shift” schools. Introduced in the 1960s, this pragmatic educational system addresses overcrowding within the education sector, simplifies registration procedures and significantly expands access to public education. This approach reflects the 2015 U.N.-sponsored Refugee Response and Resilience Plan (3RP), which promotes inclusive education by offering access to a wider curriculum, additional resources, teacher training and national accreditation of established education systems, improving educational experiences for Syrian refugees.

The Double Shift system not only eases access to education for both Syrian refugees and Jordanian children but also provides hundreds of thousands of students with a sense of normalcy by utilizing existing infrastructure and requiring minimal new financial resources.

The Double Shift Model: Implementation

The Double-Shift School Model is the most notable strategy for keeping refugee education in Jordan accessible. Under this system, the regular school day is divided into two separate sessions: Jordanian nationals typically attend classes in the morning, while Syrian refugee students take their lessons in the afternoon. By running two full school days back-to-back in the same buildings, the Ministry of Education makes far better use of existing facilities, significantly reducing the need for costly new construction or additional school sites.

This arrangement not only allows tens of thousands of refugee children to receive a formal education that might otherwise be out of reach but also helps relieve overcrowding, maintain smaller class sizes and keep local communities more cohesive. International partners such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have provided teacher training, materials and funding to sustain the model, demonstrating how targeted collaboration can turn a severe capacity crisis into an opportunity for inclusive education.

The Future of Refugee Education in Jordan

Greater funding for the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Education Cannot Wait and similar programs, combined with sustained diplomatic engagement, could encourage governments to remove paperwork barriers and adopt inclusive education policies. These efforts can improve infrastructure, enhance teacher training and strengthen the Ministry of Education’s capacity for data-driven planning and crisis-responsive systems.

Jordan has made significant strides in providing wider access not only to its citizens but also to the influx of Syrian refugees by implementing the “Double Shift” programs and “cash for education” systems. Organizations such as UNICEF provide cash-based assistance to families, helping them cover the costs of transportation, uniforms and school supplies, thereby encouraging and incentivizing children to stay in school.

– Carise Wallbank

Carise is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Shirika Plan: Rethinking the Kenyan Refugee Crisis

Shirika PlanKenya is currently hosting more than 850,000 refugees and asylum seekers. Many are fleeing conflict, repression and climate-related disasters in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those living in these camps rely heavily on humanitarian funding.

Kenya’s encampment policy requires refugees to live in two major camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, located in remote, arid regions of the country where agriculture is unfeasible. As a result of the U.S.’s humanitarian aid cuts, Kenya’s refugee camps were plunged into crisis.

Due to U.S. cuts, only 181 million out of 300 million people worldwide in need received aid in 2024. The impact of these cuts is especially evident in Kenyan refugee camps. Despite the ongoing refugee crisis, its government is rethinking its approach by implementing the Shirika Plan: a pioneering approach focusing on individual freedom and self-sufficiency instead of relying on foreign aid.

The Impact of Humanitarian Aid Cuts

The U.S. cuts to humanitarian aid under the Trump administration are having dire implications for those living in refugee camps. These cuts directly harm livelihoods and undermine refugee-led organizations that promote self-reliance.

The impact of these cuts was documented in a 2022 University of Oxford study in Kakuma that examined the effect of aid on the ground. Halfway through the study, the World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to cut assistance to the camp by 20%. This left people with a daily wage of $13.

Caloric intake in the camp dropped by 7%, with people eating a less diverse and lower-quality diet due to these cuts. One Somali refugee told the team of researchers, “After the aid reduction, the lives of refugees became hard. That was the money sustaining them… Hunger is visible.”

The situation has since worsened; in June 2025, the ration was cut again to the equivalent of $5 per month. In addition, frequent delays in distribution only exacerbate the Kenyan refugee crisis, leaving families with less than their basic nutritional needs. Because of this, Kenya has had to adopt a new approach to the refugee crisis.

The Shirika Plan

Born of the Refugee Act No.10 of 2021, which emphasised governmental commitment to refugee welfare and finding sustainable solutions, the Shirika Plan signalled a significant shift in refugee policy. A multiyear initiative that aims to transform camps into integrated settlements, this plan promotes the socioeconomic inclusion of around 83,000 refugees in northern Kenya.

Local initiatives such as the Kalobeyei Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (KISEDP) and the Garissa Integrated Socioeconomic Development Plan (GISEDP) aim to integrate refugees into Kenya’s development agenda. These programs produce what has been dubbed a “triple benefit”: enhancing self-reliance, reducing aid dependency and strengthening host communities’ economies. The Shirika Plan also begins to address the problem of waning humanitarian aid while promoting dignity among refugees.

However, as a relatively new initiative, the benefits need time to take shape. Kenya must adopt a comprehensive refugee management policy to achieve seamless coordination across Kenyan ministries, departments and humanitarian agencies in rolling out the plan.

The Next Steps

Born out of necessity, the Shirika Plan represents a shift in political outlook and a move toward sustainable, long-term solutions. Although still in its infancy, this pioneering approach breaks away from decades of refugee policy that confined displaced people to remote settlements and reliance on international aid.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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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

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Action Emploi Réfugiés Addressing Immigrant Poverty

Action Emploi RéfugiésFrance is one of the economic and cultural powerhouses of Europe and the Western world. Thanks to a rich culture built on the core values of liberty, equality and fraternity, France has become an increasingly popular destination for foreigners, with at least 7 million immigrants living in France as of 2023.

In France’s lively capital, Paris, the immigrant population is especially dense, as one out of every seven inhabitants is an immigrant. However, life in the city of light is not as glamorous as it may first appear, especially for immigrants. As they attempt to integrate themselves into French society, they are often victims of discrimination based on their racial background, religion and stereotypes.

This treatment can lead to numerous financial problems as immigrants struggle in the professional setting and housing market as a result of these discriminatory behaviors. Furthermore, they can be left exposed, forced to accept exploitative, off-the-books work or live in unsanitary living situations as pests and water leaks dominate low-income housing areas.

Many organizations and initiatives have been created to target immigrant poverty in response to these issues. Among these, two prominent organizations in immigrant advocacy are the French Refugee Council (FRC) and the Action Emploi Réfugiés. These organizations are focused on helping refugees, a highly vulnerable immigrant population, find a foothold in French society through stable employment opportunities.

The French Refugee Council

Founded in 2013, the FRC is an independent, nonprofit organization specializing in providing tangible support to asylum-seekers across France. Indeed, with 480 total volunteers across mainland France, the FRC works to ensure that refugees live fulfilling, dignified lives. The organization empowers these vulnerable groups by fostering solidarity and mutual respect between refugees and natives in their communities.

The FRC works to ease the difficult process of integration while giving refugees a stronger and more influential voice in their communities by operating through five key pillars:

  • Employment opportunities
  • Access to education 
  • Legal support
  • Economic support
  • Community links

As the FRC provides this vital support, asylum-seekers can rebuild their lives and integrate into French society without falling into poverty.

Action Emploi Réfugiés

Founded in 2015 by Diane Binder and Kavita Brahmbhatt in response to the lack of aid given to refugees across Europe, the Action Emploi Réfugiés has many of the same values as the FRC. It works to end immigrant poverty by helping refugees integrate and rebuild their lives with dignity. However, the Action Emploi Réfugiés focuses solely on the employment frontier.

The organization primarily operates through two accompaniment programs, SOCLE and AVEC, which provide refugees with personalized support throughout the job search process. Assistance is tailored to each individual’s qualifications and language skills. These initiatives aim to provide refugees with the skills required to be successful professionally. The organization supports between 350 and 450 people each year and coordinates more than 700 jobs yearly.

Conclusion

Although immigrant poverty remains prevalent in France, especially for refugees, the FRS and the Action Emploi Réfugiés are at the forefront of social change as they provide dignified aid for refugees hoping to live the French life.

– Jack Schuchard

Jack is based in Herndon, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Fighting Climate Impacts on Refugees with CRRF

CRRFMany refugee camps around the world experience significant climate impacts such as flooding and extreme weather, displacing already vulnerable groups. The adverse effects of bad weather often impact displaced people as countries continue to plan refugee settlements based on political decisions, with little research on environmental and geographic vulnerabilities. In order to protect their human rights and reduce climate impacts on refugees, governmental support must be provided from within the host countries.

Climate Impacts in Sudan, Bangladesh and Jordan

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, Syrian refugees in Jordan and refugee camps in Sudan specifically have noted recent environmental disasters threatening human lives. In 2021, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh and Alganaa camp in Sudan reported the destruction of structures and several deaths due to flooding.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about Cox’s Bazar being on the “front lines of the climate crisis,” as it is the world’s largest refugee settlement. The camp faces year-round instability, from fire-prone summers to a dangerous monsoon season. Similarly, South Sudanese refugees had only lived in the Alganaa camp for a month before floods hit Sudan’s White Nile region. Historically, the lack of environmental studies across Africa has led to the suboptimal placement of refugee camps.

In Jordan, the Za’atari refugee camp is the largest shelter for displaced Syrians in the world. The camp faces extreme cold in the winters in addition to its dry, hot summers. Despite Syrian refugees’ economic resilience through creating many successful businesses in the Za’atari market, a fraction of refugees hold work permits for other sectors, causing further economic uncertainty during climatic events.

All three camps face diverse climate impacts on refugees and preemptive mitigation responses from host countries have been minimal due to political circumstances.

Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has recognized Uganda’s Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) as a key model for promoting refugee self-reliance. It addresses economic challenges by providing land for housing and farming, which in turn helps tackle social issues like access to education and skill development. The CRRF is a model that benefits host countries by stimulating the economy and strengthening agricultural networks through refugee settlement. It also supports the economic well-being of vulnerable populations and helps prevent overcrowding in refugee camps.

Despite the benefits of Uganda’s resettlement model, some refugee settlements still face climate-related damage that threatens agricultural livelihoods. To address this, UNHCR has proposed climate-resilience initiatives that promote low-carbon development in refugee-hosting areas. Implementing additional frameworks like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) is also essential to reduce climate risks for refugees.

Although it would not be possible to provide land in countries with a high population density, like Bangladesh, it is still ideal for such governments to expand their use of NDCs and NAPs in other ways. Bangladesh’s existing climate finance strategies under its NDCs offer a foundation for strengthening protections for vulnerable groups.

UNHCR Pilot Program: Refugee Environmental Protection Fund

First piloted in Uganda, the Refugee Environmental Protection Fund (REPF) directly involved refugees in climate initiatives. It supports reforestation, energy access and clean cooking programs to “link refugees and host communities to the global carbon market.”

As of 2025, the Fund is looking to expand into countries like Bangladesh and Sudan, though the possibility of implementation will take longer to assess. Additionally, the refugee crisis in Jordan is not currently assigned to the initiative. Combining REPF with the CRRF could help refugees gain independence, achieve economic growth and mitigate climate impacts.

– Aliyah Omar

Aliyah is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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UNHCR and TECNO: Empowering Young Refugees

UNHCR and TECNOUNHCR has recently announced a three-year expanded partnership with Tecno, a leading technology brand, to address pressing gaps in education for refugee children and youth across Africa. Adding on to five years of successful partnership, the parties launched their new project “Together We Can Bring Education to African Children and Youth”, which supports two UNHCR initiatives: the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) Tertiary Scholarship Program and the Primary Impact Program.

UNHCR Initiatives

The UNHCR aims to inspire disadvantaged students to achieve their true potential through its two successful initiatives. The Primary Impact Initiative focuses on increasing access to primary education, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment, improving education quality and promoting inclusive education policies. Indeed, since 2023, the program has supplied primary education access to 431,000 displaced children, of whom nearly half were female. In both camps and urban areas, the initiative reached 1,029 primary schools.

The DAFI program offers qualified refugee students an opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country. The program, which has been ongoing for three decades, remains the foundation of the UNHCR’s strategy to achieve more enrolment of refugees in higher education.

In 2023, 7,890 refugees from 54 countries of origin were enrolled in higher education. Since 1992, the program has supported more than 27,200 young refugees.

Impact of the Partnership

The partnership between TECNO and UNHCR first began in 2020, focusing on providing quality education to refugee children and young people in Africa. However, over the past years, the partnership has reached 40 DAFI scholars and 17,370 refugee children. With this collaboration, the UNHCR focuses on enrolling more than 55,000 children in primary schools in camps located in Dadaab and Kakuma over the next four years.

Kenya is the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in Africa, with 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers as of May 2024, according to African Business. Kenya’s refugee camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, house more than 217,000 school-aged refugee children. TECNO’s support will benefit over 7,000 children in Kenya, helping them achieve their potential. It is already helping the UNHCR’s efforts to improve educational outcomes for children in Kenya with the financial support from TECNO, which goes into hygiene kits, infrastructure construction, scholastic materials and resources for teachers.

Conclusion

“TECNO is dedicated to giving back to local communities in Africa …. We believe that education is the key to changing the destiny for refugee children,” said Jack Guo, general manager of TECNO, showing that the initiatives have a true impact with the aid of a leading technology brand like TECNO.

This extended partnership between UNHCR and TECNO showcases the power of investing in education for refugees, offering them a chance to achieve their potential like any other young person in the world. Additionally, it shows a commitment to shaping the world into a more accessible place for people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, which is encouraging for other organisations that take inspiration from the works of UNHCR and use it to motivate more positive change in the world.

– Amaira Katyal

Amaira is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Forced Migration is Driving Poverty Among Russian Refugees

russian refugeesSince the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russian refugees have fled their country due to fear of repression, forced military conscription, and a rapidly shrinking civic space. While their reasons for leaving may differ — from political views to personal safety — one result remains the same: many are now facing poverty and instability in unfamiliar countries.

To better understand the human impact of this forced migration, The Borgen Project spoke with Ekaterina, a 20-year-old woman who left Russia with her sister in 2022. Her story reflects not only personal hardship but also a broader crisis affecting displaced people worldwide.

Life Before and the Urgency to Leave

Before the war escalated, Ekaterina lived a relatively stable life in Saint Petersburg, studying at a university and preparing for her future. However, as political pressure mounted, peaceful protesters were arrested, media outlets shut down, and fear spread quickly.

“People were being arrested for saying what they thought, and even peaceful protests became dangerous,” she told The Borgen Project. “We did not feel safe anymore.”

Faced with uncertainty, she and her sister decided to leave Russia in 2022. With no concrete plan and limited resources, they packed what they could and left their home behind.

Poverty in Disguise: Starting Over with Nothing

Although many Russian migrants are often perceived as educated or middle class, their relocation often pushes them into poverty. Most leave without stable income, savings, or access to local support systems. For Ekaterina and her sister, this meant relying on short-term housing with acquaintances and struggling to find legal work.

“We did not know how anything worked — the documents, the healthcare, even just how to rent an apartment,” she said. “Money was the biggest stress — we did not have savings and could not work right away.”

The sisters depended on public transportation and occasional food support. Emotional stress, legal uncertainty, and cultural barriers added to their hardship.

Gaps in Support for the Russian Refugees

One of the most pressing challenges for displaced Russian people is that many do not qualify for official refugee status, leaving them in a legal limbo. Yet despite these barriers, some organizations have stepped in to help.

For example, founded in 2022, Ark helps Russian political exiles and conscientious objectors by providing legal assistance, housing guidance, and relocation resources across Europe and North America. It also runs Telegram channels and support hotlines for Russian speakers seeking asylum or temporary protection.

In the U.S., organizations like Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) provide broader resettlement services for asylum seekers, including Russian migrants — but access can vary by location and case status.

Still, as Ekaterina noted, “We were lucky. A few volunteers helped us with paperwork and told us where to get food. But many others didn’t speak English and did not know where to go.”

Migration and Poverty: An Inseparable Link

Forced displacement — whether from war, authoritarianism, or repression — often leads to poverty, regardless of one’s previous economic standing. The loss of home, employment, and legal stability can create long-term economic hardship, even for those who were once secure.

Ekaterina’s story is not unique. Thousands of Russian refugees and refugees from other countries like her are now living in financial and emotional uncertainty. Their experiences reveal that poverty is often not a result of laziness or poor choices, but of circumstances beyond one’s control.

Supporting displaced people through legal aid, housing access, language support, and mental health care is essential not only for recovery, but also for breaking the long-term cycle of poverty.

As she put it, “We did not choose this easily. Most of us had jobs, education and plans. Now we are just trying to survive.”

– Polina Makarova

Polina is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs Helping Sudanese Refugees in Chad

Sudanese Refugees in ChadTensions within the military government of Sudan escalated into full-scale civil war in April 2023. The country, which had started recovering and rebuilding after earlier civil wars, now faces a deepening humanitarian crisis as a result of recent conflict. This conflict has triggered mass displacement across Sudan, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. Most of these displaced people have sought safety in neighboring countries, including Libya, South Sudan and Chad, where they reside in large refugee camps, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Sudanese Refugees in Chad

Among Sudan’s neighboring countries, Chad has taken in the largest number of Sudanese refugees, by a notable margin. Since the outbreak of the Sudan civil war, more than 870,000 refugees have fled to Chad. Libya and South Sudan, the countries hosting the second and third highest number of Sudanese refugees, each host slightly above 300,000 refugees.

Sudanese refugees in Chad typically settle in camps along the country’s eastern border. There, they join thousands of others, some of whom have been living in these camps for nearly 20 years, according to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. A significant majority of refugees living in these camps are women and children, populations especially vulnerable in a wartime environment.

Refugee camps in Chad shield Sudanese refugees from warfare, yet living conditions within the camps are far from comfortable. Most refugees live in inadequate, makeshift shelters, which often lack necessities such as latrines, according to World Vision. Camps also lack necessary food supplies, meaning a significant number of children suffer from malnutrition.

Family separation is also an issue for many Sudanese refugees in Chad. This, paired with insufficient health care and education services within camps, takes a toll on refugees, especially children. However, multiple nongovernment organizations (NGOs) have committed to helping improve conditions within refugee camps in Chad, fostering hope for thousands of displaced persons. Below are three NGOs committed to helping Sudanese refugees in Chad:

International Medical Corps

The International Medical Corps (IMC) began its work in Chad after the 2004 Darfur genocide, a campaign marked by the indiscriminate killing of thousands of civilians by the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militia. Although operations in Chad were paused by the IMC in 2020, support recommenced in 2023 following the renewed outbreak of violence in Sudan.

IMC response teams now provide critical support to Sudanese refugees in Chad, focusing primarily on nutrition and health care. Nutrition services focus on supporting vulnerable groups, especially children aged less than 5 and pregnant women. In addition to basic health care, IMC programs include maternal and newborn health services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. These mental health services are often overlooked in crisis settings, yet play an important role in the recovery of displaced persons.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), launched a major response to support Sudanese refugees in Chad after fighting resumed in April 2023. As the refugee population continues to grow, MSF has repeatedly scaled up its health care operations to meet increasing needs.

MSF currently provides medical services across several locations in Chad, including Adré, Goungour and Kourfoun. In June, due to an overwhelming amount of Sudanese refugees at the Adré hospital in need of surgical attention, MSF deployed a 200-bed inflatable hospital to help manage patient overflow.

In addition to surgical health care, MSF offers pediatric services, treatment for victims of sexual violence, mental health support and a range of vaccination programs. With the help of Chad’s Ministry of Health, the organizations recently conducted large-scale measles vaccination campaigns. It continued to work to improve routine vaccination programs for Sudanese refugees in Chad.

Jesuit Refugee Services

Due to harsh living conditions and the continuous influx of displaced people, access to quality education remains a major challenge for children in Chad’s refugee camps. Jesuit Refugee Service, the leading NGO in the education sector in these camps, works to make education more accessible for displaced children in Chad.

JRS offers a range of educational services, including preschools, nurseries and primary and secondary education. Thanks to its strong relationship with local authorities and the Minister of Education, JRS has also begun integrating camp-based schools into the Chadian public education system.

Collaborations between JRS and Chad’s University of Abéché have created opportunities for refugee students to earn national teacher certifications. This initiative not only provides refugees with access to higher education but also helps foster a new generation of educators to address the shortage of teachers within the camps.

Final Remarks

While conditions remain difficult for Sudanese refugees in Chad, the work of organizations like IMC, MSF and JRS offers critical support and hope. Increased international attention and aid may be essential to meet the growing needs of this vulnerable population.

– Jordan Venell

Jordan is based in Edina, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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200,000 Invisible Lives: Migration to Malaysia

Migration to MalaysiaIn a cramped, poorly maintained home, a Rohingya mother of three avoids stepping outside – not out of fear of violence, but arrest. Despite fleeing persecution in Myanmar, she now lives without legal protection, access to health care or the right to work. Her story is not unique. For tens of thousands, migration to Malaysia represents a final hope, only to enter a cycle of legal invisibility and daily struggle.

Malaysia hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Southeast Asia. However, the lack of a formal legal framework for refugees leaves them deeply vulnerable to poverty, exploitation and systemic neglect.

Who Comes and Why?

As of May 2025, around 200,260 refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia. More than 179,000 are from Myanmar, including 117,670 Rohingya, 29,620 Chin and 31,730 other ethnic minorities. They fled ethnic violence, forced displacement and persecution. Others come from more than 50 different countries, including Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Palestine, Iraq and Syria.

As of 2025, men make up 64% of refugees and asylum-seekers, while women account for 36%. Alarmingly, more than 50,000 are children under the age of 18, many of whom have never stepped foot inside a formal school.

Migration to Malaysia is often undertaken in desperation. Neighboring countries often turn away refugees or deny long-term protection, and many see Malaysia as a stepping stone to resettlement. However, few are successfully resettled.

Legal Status and Daily Reality

One will find that daily life is arduous for refugees in Malaysia. The country has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Malaysia does not legally recognize refugee status. Under the Immigration Act 1959/63, refugees and asylum-seekers are considered undocumented immigrants and are subject to arrest and deportation. The UNHCR issues refugee cards, but these offer no protection under Malaysian law. The consequences of this legal limbo are wide-reaching, affecting every aspect of daily life for those who experience migration to Malaysia. These include:

  • Work: Refugees are prohibited from working legally. Many work in informal sectors with long hours, poor conditions, low wages and no labor protection. Without labor rights, they face wage theft, exploitation and workplace abuse, with little to no recourse.
  • Education: Public schools in Malaysia do not accept refugee children. Community-based learning centers fill this gap. However, many of these centers are underfunded, overcrowded and unrecognized by the government.
  • Health Care: Refugees do not qualify for subsidized public health care. While some clinics treat UNHCR cardholders, the costs remain prohibitive for many. Many often delay treatment or avoid seeking care altogether due to financial constraints and fear of arrest.

Civil Society Response

In the absence of formal state protection, civil society and humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in supporting those migration to Malaysia affects. ElShaddai, which is based in Klang, provides education and health care to refugee families. In 2022, there were 18 ElShaddai learning centers located in Selangor, Kelantan, Pahang and Sabah serving 1,400 children from marginalized communities. Today, the organization operates more than 20 learning centers across Malaysia to provide preschool to diploma-level education.

Founded in 1991, Tenaganita is a Malaysian human rights organization that supports refugees through legal aid, psychosocial counseling and community empowerment. Its Refugee Action Program works with eight Burmese-led refugee groups to assist in wage negotiation, education access and protection from detention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization coordinated relief efforts that reached more than 2,200 families in more than 100 locations across the Klang Valley.

The Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) supports refugees through its food aid and social service programs, including education, psychological counseling and skills training. As of now, MSRI reported 1,400 families supported and 721 clients served.

A Potential Turning Point

In July 2025, Malaysia’s Home Ministry announced plans to launch a national refugee registration system. The initiative aims to improve data transparency and complement the work of the UNHCR. While the plan’s implementation details remain vague, it signals a possible shift toward greater state involvement and accountability in managing migration to Malaysia.

If effectively executed, the system could lead to better service provision, targeted aid distribution and a path toward formal recognition. However, without accompanying legal reforms, refugees will remain unprotected.

The Path Forward

Migration to Malaysia will continue as long as regional conflict and instability persist. Refugees contribute to Malaysian society – they work, raise families and engage in communities – yet outside of the legal framework.

Malaysia has the opportunity to lead in Southeast Asia by adopting a clear refugee policy. Recognizing refugee status, granting work rights and providing access to basic services are essential steps. A legal and humanitarian approach to migration can ensure that the thousands who seek safety in Malaysia are no longer invisible.

– Kai Xian Lim

Kai is based in Lille, France and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr