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Aboutengue Refugee Camp: Women Achieving Financial Freedom

Aboutengue Refugee CampA Sudanese refugee helps women achieve financial freedom in a camp in Chad. Fatima Zakaria works with women across Aboutengye to build a new independent life away from the conflict in Sudan.

Fatima Zakaria

In June 2023, Zakaria’s hometown of El Geneina in western Darfur was attacked and her life was altered forever. The 27-year-old social worker for the Ministry of Social Affairs had graduated from university and was looking forward to furthering her studies when war broke out in Sudan. She then fled the war-torn country and made the journey to a refugee camp.

She remarks on the journey, “We were scattered. My family fled in different directions and I got separated from my mother and some of my siblings.” When she was settled into the camp, she reconnected with her mother and siblings, but had lost her father, husband and three of her siblings. During her journey to safety, she was shot in the leg near the border. She has since made a full recovery.

Sudanese Civil War

The Sudanese Civil War has displaced 13 million people from their homes and made 3.8 million refugees since it began in 2023. The conflict broke out over a struggle for power between the Sudanese army and a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces.

During the three years of fighting, the country has experienced a famine and claims of genocide in the western Darfur area. More than 150,000 people have died as a result of a conflict that the United Nations (U.N.) has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Aboutengue Refugee Camp

Since April 2023, Zakaria has been among the more than 800,000 refugees who have fled to safety in eastern Chad. According to the UNHCR, the U.N. Refugee Agency, the average number of people crossing the border has reached 1,400 daily.

Most refugees are women and girls arriving in Chad’s Wadi Fira and Ennedi Est provinces. Zakaria found safety in Aboutengye, one of five refugee camps in eastern Chad that now provides shelter to more than 50,000 people. Charities such as Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) have worked to improve the facilities in such camps.

MSF has helped to build a faecal sludge treatment site, which soon became known as the “poop factory” among the residents. The project provides an innovative solution to treat and safely dispose of sludge from latrines; this process also works sustainably with the environment and involves growing safe-to-eat bananas.

Zakaria’s Work

Zakaria decided to rebuild her life in the camp and use her experience to support other women in the community. She worked with fellow refugees to form an association that joins different women’s groups in the camp. Activities such as making traditional incense and perfumes, basket weaving and handicrafts bring together women from several generations.

Zakaria speaks out on how many of these women have lost their husbands due to conflict and she “created [the association] to empower them on how to generate income in the camp.” She has since opened her small home to the association as a hub for weekly meetings where the women share ideas and experiences. The group discusses challenges they face in the camp and daily life. The haven provides a space for any woman in the settlement to talk through her problems and receive emotional support.

She wishes to continue her education to support her mother and sisters, who face a different life from the one they grew up with. She believes education is the answer to helping more people in her community.

Conclusion

Despite experiencing hardship, from the death of family members to being forced from her home, the Sudanese refugee helps women better their lives. She uses her skills and determination to improve her life, her family and the community of women that now call Aboutengue refugee camp home.

– Phoebe Guildford

Phoebe is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Ways Ethical Refugee Policy in Europe Is Resisting Politicization

Ethical Refugee PolicyIn recent years, the link between migration and political agendas has intensified across the European Union (EU). However, humanitarian organizations and public institutions are increasingly defending ethical refugee policy in Europe. While several political parties frame migration as a security threat or economic burden, a growing coalition of NGOs, civil society actors and EU bodies are working to ensure that refugee protection and global development remain grounded in human rights and solidarity. Their efforts challenge the politicization of asylum and reinforce Europe’s longstanding commitment to ethical international cooperation.

NGOs Defending Asylum Rights

Organizations like Sea-Watch have taken a frontline role in rescuing migrants at sea and advocating for their rights. Based in Germany, Sea-Watch conducts search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean and has consistently opposed efforts to criminalize such missions. The organization has also filed legal actions and partnered with legal advocacy groups to challenge EU migration policies undermining asylum rights. Its operations saved more than 1,400 people in 2023 alone, underlining the continuing need for humanitarian intervention at sea. Sea-Watch’s operations exemplify how ethical refugee policy in Europe is practiced on the ground.

Another prominent group, Caritas Europa, represents a wide network of Catholic charities and operates in 46 European countries. Caritas advocates for fair and well-funded asylum systems and recently launched campaigns urging the EU to safeguard refugee services amid budget reallocations. In its 2024 statement, Caritas emphasized the need for migration policies that are “humane, sustainable and based on solidarity.” The organization also directly serves, offering shelter, education and mental health support to asylum seekers across Europe.

The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) also plays a key advocacy role at the institutional level. The organization releases policy papers and legal analyses to influence EU asylum directives and budget allocations. ECRE’s 2023–25 Strategic Plan openly criticizes EU externalization policies, which aim to outsource asylum responsibilities. It argues that these efforts are attempts to evade legal obligations under EU and international law. This position is reaffirmed in its 2024 Annual Report, which urges full compliance with the new Asylum Pact while firmly rejecting externalization schemes.

Parliamentary Oversight and Ethical Review

Beyond civil society, EU institutions have played a growing role in reviewing the ethical use of aid in migration deals. In late 2023, the European Ombudsman opened an inquiry into the European Commission’s agreement with Tunisia, which allocated more than $1 billion to limit departures from North Africa. The investigation was launched in response to concerns raised by rights groups about the treatment of sub-Saharan migrants under this deal.

Human Rights Watch and Médecins Sans Frontières reported widespread abuse at Tunisia’s southern borders, including forced expulsions and denial of humanitarian assistance. The Ombudsman called for greater transparency in how development funds are used. It emphasized that EU values must be upheld even in external partnerships. The European Parliament has also debated the appropriateness of tying foreign aid to migration control. Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for preserving aid’s primary purpose: supporting health, education and poverty reduction in developing nations.

This debate intensified after reports from organizations like Statewatch and ECRE raised alarms about the growing share of development funding being diverted toward border control efforts. Although no formal resolution has been adopted recently, parliamentary discussions have increasingly highlighted the need for aid transparency, ethical oversight and alignment with the EU’s human rights obligations. Such institutional pushback reflects the importance of maintaining ethical refugee policy in Europe amid rising populism.

National Models for Ethical Refugee Policy

Some EU member states have adopted policy approaches that maintain a humanitarian lens on refugee issues. These country-specific efforts highlight how ethical refugee policy in Europe can be implemented at the national level despite broader EU political tensions. Portugal, for example, significantly increased its resettlement quota under the EU Resettlement Program, welcoming more than 1,000 refugees in 2019 alone.

Unlike other member states, Portugal has not made refugee intake conditional on repatriation agreements or aid cuts. The government has invested in long-term integration, offering language training, job placement services and access to public education for all registered asylum seekers. Sweden and Finland have also introduced digital literacy and mental health support into their refugee resettlement programs, recognizing the importance of holistic approaches to integration.

In Sweden, asylum seekers are granted early access to psychological services and school enrollment even while awaiting case decisions, a model praised by the UNHCR for reducing long-term dependency.

Restoring the Purpose of Development Aid

Critics of the politicization of aid argue that diverting funds from poverty alleviation to border enforcement undermines long-term global development goals. According to the Statewatch NGO, as of 2025, 14% of the EU’s NDICI-Global Europe budget (worth more than $80 billion) is allocated to migration and border management, well above the initial 10% target. This shift risks deprioritizing sectors like health care, climate resilience and education, foundational to reducing poverty.

In contrast, organizations like Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have advocated for aid that addresses the root causes of displacement, such as conflict and inequality. In its 2024 position paper, IRC recommended rechanneling funds toward early warning systems, peace-building initiatives and local economic development programs.

The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also warned that conditioning aid on migration cooperation could erode donor credibility and weaken global solidarity. In a 2025 advisory, the DAC urged donor countries to recommit to aid effectiveness principles that prioritize need over negotiation.

Maintaining a Humanitarian Vision

As debates around refugees and European politics continue, the work of NGOs, oversight institutions and reform-minded governments illustrates a counter-current to the politicization of aid. Their efforts demonstrate that development funds can remain focused on poverty alleviation, rather than becoming bargaining chips in migration negotiations.

Challenges persist, including rising anti-immigrant sentiment and electoral pressures. Nonetheless, defenders of ethical refugee policy in Europe continue to offer a roadmap for preserving the integrity of refugee protection and sustainable development. In doing so, they reinforce the principle that support for displaced people should not be dictated by political cycles, but by shared commitments to human dignity and international solidarity.

Continued advocacy, public education and cross-border collaboration will ensure that European policies align with the continent’s humanitarian values.

– Ray Bechara

Ray is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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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

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Translators without Borders: Fighting Misinformation

Translators without BordersMyanmar is one of the least politically stable countries in the world, having been in some state of civil war since its independence in 1948. Amid the cycle between civilian democracy, autocracy and military dictatorship, ethnic minorities have been subject to persecution and harassment. The ongoing Rohingya genocide has prompted a mass exodus to neighboring Bangladesh, which shares their Islamic faith. With the majority lacking formal education and access to a reliable and diverse media diet, the Rohingya have become a bellwether for internet-fueled misinformation.

Donor Fatigue and Repercussions

As the Rohingya crisis stretches further, aid givers are warning of the growing trend of “donor fatigue,” a phenomenon whereby major philanthropists and the public decrease interest and donations. Donor trust is fragile: it can be damaged by a single viral hoax about corruption or a misconstrued image that goes viral.

The real-world effects of donor fatigue and funding cuts are severe. As noted, food rations have already been reduced — in March 2023, monthly aid per person dropped from $12 to $10. It was on track to fall further until a last-minute funding injection stabilized it.

Diminished funding creates a vicious cycle: misinformation reduces public support, leading to funding cuts, worsening conditions and making the crisis even more challenging to resolve. As a result, displaced populations remain trapped in prolonged dependence and growing risk. Refugees International recently warned that declining aid and “ongoing restrictions on the ability to work” are forcing more Rohingya to risk dangerous sea journeys in search of survival.

Translators without Borders: Community-Led Solutions

Calling out and confining online misinformation requires a coalition of individuals, platforms, governments and nonprofits. Organizations like Translators without Borders are working to provide accurate and fact-based reporting to refugees. A particular successful program is the “Flying News” rumor bulletin. This periodic flyer, written in clear terms and translated orally by field staff for those who can’t read it, takes the latest prevalent rumors and provides verified answers and facts.

Media platforms are also mobilizing to counter misinformation. In response to international outcry, Facebook has altered its Myanmar site to contain additional algorithms automatically detecting inflammatory language. Questions arising from Facebook’s role in the Rohingya genocide have led a group of refugees to file a landmark $150 billion lawsuit against its parent company, Meta. First filed in 2021, the suit alleges that Facebook’s negligence helped fuel the violence in Myanmar. Although initially dismissed, the refugees appealed and the case is now progressing through the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate decision remains pending.

Furthermore, Bangladesh-based fact-checking groups such as BD Fact Check and Boom Bangladesh have begun debunking viral falsehoods about the Rohingya in national media, helping curb the spread of misinformation in host communities. In 2018, Bangladesh’s unicameral legislature passed the Digital Security Act, which criminalizes the dissemination of “rumors” or “false information” that could destabilize the country. In theory, this law could apply to those inciting violence or spreading hoaxes about the Rohingya in refugee camps.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the spread of inflammatory TikToks made international headlines. It prompted the country’s security agencies to investigate the online hate campaign that sparked violence in Aceh. Authorities are working to identify the masterminds and bots behind the coordinated effort.

Moving Forward With Innovation

Since the genocide of the Rohingya began, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence have complicated things. Researchers in Indonesia have started using AI to collect and analyze data on social media. Using natural language processing and sentiment analysis, they hope to gauge public attitudes toward Rohingya refugees accurately. One recent study analyzed Indonesian Twitter and news commentaries using a BERT-based model (a form of AI language model). It found that around 65% of online sentiments about Rohingya refugees were negative.

Although long-term ramifications are poorly understood, the findings as of 2025 have demonstrated that community-led dramatizations are the most successful initiatives. Training aid organizations and expanding localized fact-checking trends in refugee camps resonate strongly. These posts are often in the local idiom and usually laced with humor to gently correct false beliefs.

In summary, Translators without Borders and others within the humanitarian sector’s approach has evolved to “fight fake news alongside the pandemic” and other crises. Aid workers now see information management as a core part of aid, not an optional add-on. These evolving strategies offer hope for protecting vulnerable populations from the dual threats of displacement and digital misinformation.

– Maxwell Marcello

Maxwell is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Connection Between Disability and Poverty in Chad

Disability and Poverty in ChadChad is the largest landlocked country in Africa, as well as being the fifth largest country on the continent. It gained independence from being a French colony in 1960, and post-independence faced conflicts, internal and external, resulting in an unstable nation. Chad boasts a rich history and some experts believe it is one of the original places where humans developed as a species. In the modern day, Chad has a population of around 21 million people and has become a place of refuge for disabled Sudanese people displaced by the Sudanese Civil War.  

Chad has seen a rise in refugees fleeing from the Sudanese Civil War, and notably, the population of disabled individuals has risen since the migration began. Here are some key facts about how the Sudanese Civil War affects disability and poverty in Chad.

Why They Flee

The most recent Sudanese Civil War began in 2023 as a result of conflict between two military forces within the country, forcing more than 15 million people from their homes. Between 10-15% of the Sudanese population is disabled due to the effects of living in a war zone and have common injuries and physical deficits such as amputated limbs, broken bones and severe burns that go on to affect the rest of people’s lives. Refugees from the war, particularly those with disabilities, have found themselves fleeing to the borders of Chad to escape the violence. Living in Chad allows some to find care for their impairments, whether these impairments be new onset or pre-existing.

The Marginalization of People With Disabilities  

As is the case in other countries around the world, disabled people living in Chad find themselves disempowered. In the social hierarchy of Chad, disabled people are often the lowest tier of society. This is due to long-held ideas of prejudice against those who are less able, which can eventually result in social isolation and exclusion. Disability and poverty in Chad are beacons for each other, each one making the other more possible.

The Increase in Refugees

Due to the Sudanese Civil War, around 1.1 million Sudanese people have fled their country to Chad. This has caused a population surge in the already severe living conditions, resulting in a stark lack of shelter, clean water and access to medical assistance. Health care is often a distance from refugee camps, and people with specific disabilities can find themselves without a mode of transportation to get treatment. This discrepancy often emphasizes the difficulties that people with disabilities in poverty face in Chad.

Disability and Poverty in Chad

With disabled people in Chad often facing issues of transportation to places such as health care facilities and job opportunities, the difficulties of escaping poverty increases. If people cannot travel to a health care clinic, then they cannot receive treatment for their disabilities and, in turn, are unable to work. Another factor influencing the difficulty in finding work for disabled people in Chad is discrimination. People with disabilities are much less likely to be hired and lose out on opportunities to make money and help them improve their financial status.

Key Takeaways

While the poverty levels in Chad are increasing due to refugees from the Sudanese Civil War, countless organizations are working to assist the people living there. These organizations work to bring awareness to the issues that Chadians face, as well as to bring relief to them directly. Disabled refugees fleeing the Sudanese Civil War receive more opportunities in Chad than in Sudan. This does not imply a perfect standard of living, but it does imply an improved one. One organization that is key in the fight against disability and poverty in Chad is UNICEF. UNICEF offers key aid to Chadian and Sudanese youth by improving living conditions, supplying clean water and adding mental health support to refugee camps. Its work centers around bringing aid to Chadians and Sudanese refugees as they fight for the return to normalcy.

– Zoe Felder

Zoe is based in Charlotte, NC, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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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

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Refugee Policy and Humanitarian Leadership in Rwanda

Humanitarian Leadership in RwandaSince the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a notable regional actor in diplomacy, peacekeeping and humanitarian policy. Despite its small size and complex history, the country has made significant contributions to refugee protection, development and regional security efforts. Rwanda’s policies on refugee rights, legal integration and service provision have earned international recognition while contributing to its broader diplomatic strategy.

Refugee Support and Integration Policies

Rwanda hosts approximately 120,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi. The majority live in refugee camps such as Mahama, Kigeme and Kiziba, while others reside in urban areas like Kigali. Mahama, the largest camp, is home to tens of thousands of Burundian refugees, while Congolese communities are more concentrated in Kigeme and Kiziba.

Refugees in urban settings have access to employment and local services under Rwanda’s integration policy. Through a community-based health insurance scheme, many can access national health care, despite policies promoting self-reliance, practical challenges persist, including limited job opportunities and resource constraints. Refugees also face restrictions on political participation, and reports of pressure to return to their home countries have raised concerns among human rights organizations.

Legal Framework and International Collaboration

Rwanda is a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol and the 1969 Organization of African Unity (OAU) Refugee Convention. These commitments are reflected in Rwanda’s domestic laws, including Law No. 13 ter/2014, which outlines the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Article 18 of this law ensures that refugees enjoy liberties protected by international legal instruments.

The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) oversees refugee affairs and coordinates with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to implement resettlement programs and service delivery. The country’s asylum system includes national birth registration for refugees, reducing the risk of statelessness and supporting long-term integration.

Peacekeeping and Regional Influence

Rwanda has actively participated in peacekeeping operations with the African Union (AU) and United Nations (U.N.), including contributions to missions in the Central African Republic. These efforts have strengthened Rwanda’s international standing and regional influence.

At the same time, Rwanda’s involvement in neighboring conflicts has drawn scrutiny. Accusations of supporting rebel groups in the eastern DRC have sparked regional and international debate. While the Rwandan government maintains that its actions aim to protect national and regional security, organizations such as Human Rights Watch and AP News have reported ongoing tensions and concerns about the country’s role in exacerbating conflict dynamics.

Challenges to Refugee Protection

While Rwanda has been widely praised for its refugee policy framework, gaps remain. Some refugees have reported limited avenues for political expression, restricted civil liberties or difficulties accessing sustainable employment. Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about forced or pressured returns, which would violate international protection standards. Despite these concerns, Rwanda’s refugee services continue to receive support from UNHCR and various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in camp settings where food, shelter and basic services are more reliably delivered.

Future of Humanitarian Leadership in Rwanda

Rwanda’s approach to refugee protection combines legal commitment with regional engagement. The country has made important strides in integrating refugees into its public systems, while also contributing to peacekeeping and humanitarian diplomacy in Africa. Continued international collaboration, policy refinement and monitoring could address existing gaps and uphold refugee rights. By maintaining its focus on integration, service access and legal protections, Rwanda has the potential to build on its progress and serve as a regional model for humanitarian leadership in displacement contexts.

– Olivia Fanders

Olivia is based in Weehawken, NJ, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Malnutrition in Refugee Camps With Microgreens

Malnutrition in Refugee CampsIn many parts of the world, malnutrition in refugee camps remains a persistent and deadly challenge. Refugee families often lack access to nutrient-rich foods due to limited agricultural space, inconsistent supply chains and poor infrastructure. Yet, a promising solution is emerging, one that requires minimal space, water or sunlight: microgreens.

The Power of Microgreens

Microgreens are tender, immature greens harvested just after sprouting, typically within seven to 21 days. Though small in size, they hold quite a bit of nutritional value. According to the Cleveland Clinic, microgreens are rich in vitamins C, E and K and beta-carotene and antioxidants that support heart health, reduce inflammation and may help fight chronic disease. Their concentrated nutrient content makes them an effective dietary supplement, especially in low-resource settings.

Since microgreens grow quickly and require minimal space, water and equipment, they are well-suited for refugee camps where access to fresh produce is limited. They can thrive in shallow trays with basic soil or growing mats, using only sunlight or low-energy lights. This makes them an efficient, low-cost solution for improving food security and nutrition in overcrowded and under-resourced environments.

Growing Health at Home

Families in refugee settlements across Lebanon and Jordan are improving their nutrition through small-scale gardening initiatives. Supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and local partners, refugees are adopting keyhole gardens. This includes circular raised beds that use compost and greywater to grow various vegetables in spaces of limit and restriction. These gardens are built using readily available, recycled materials, making them affordable and sustainable for displaced households.

UNHCR reports that such gardens help increase access to fresh produce and empower families to participate actively in food production. By cultivating vegetables at home, refugees can supplement their diets with fresh, nutritious ingredients while reducing reliance on food aid.

Growing Solutions Across Africa

Refugees are improving their food security and nutrition in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through sustainable gardening practices. In Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, programs like the permagarden initiative have trained residents to grow vegetables using climate-resilient techniques that conserve water and enhance soil health. These small plots can be built with locally available materials and thrive in limited space, making them ideal for approaching malnutrition in refugee camps.

According to Devex, participants in the permagarden program reported increased access to diverse vegetables and greater household nutrition. Beyond physical health, gardening has also helped reduce stress and build a sense of purpose among participants. However, as the Humanitarian Practice Network notes, efforts like these face challenges from environmental extremes, such as drought and flooding, which threaten the fragile resilience systems in Kakuma.

Organizations Making an Impact

The Lemon Tree Trust is transforming how displaced communities interact with their environments by promoting gardening as a tool for resilience, dignity and self-reliance. Working primarily across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in fighting malnutrition in refugee camps, the organization helps residents reclaim unused spaces for growing food and flowers. Through initiatives like garden competitions, community garden spaces and the distribution of seeds and plants, the Lemon Tree Trust supports displaced families in creating green spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These gardens improve access to fresh produce and foster community cohesion, mental well-being and a sense of home in uncertain settings.

Mercy Corps is also taking bold steps to support refugee self-reliance by integrating food security initiatives like microgreen farming into broader economic and social development programs. Its approach goes beyond immediate relief, aiming to unlock the long-term potential of displaced individuals. For example, Mercy Corps has significantly invested in job training, agricultural innovation and women-led entrepreneurship. These efforts are helping refugees transition from reliance on aid to lead productive, independent lives. Through partnerships and strategic funding, the organization is scaling initiatives offering nutritional and economic benefits, enabling communities to thrive even in the most challenging environments.

A Path Toward Self-Reliance

Microgreens are not a complete solution to malnutrition in refugee camps, but they offer an affordable, fast-growing and scalable way to improve health outcomes. More importantly, they place the power of food production back into the hands of the people who need it most. As international aid agencies look for sustainable ways to enhance food security, microgreens represent a small but mighty innovation with the potential to transform lives.

– Vasara Mikulevicius

Vasara is based in West Bloomfield, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Migrant Communities in Portugal: Gentrification and Deportation

Migrant Communities in PortugalGentrification in traditionally working-class neighborhoods in cities like Lisbon, Portugal, is increasing house prices. At the same time, the government’s recent plans to deport thousands of migrants are raising concerns. Together, these changes threaten multiethnic neighborhoods and immigrant identities across Portugal. However, many organizations are resisting this by empowering migrant communities in Portugal through a range of projects.

Deportation and the Rise of Populism

The recent rise in far-right populism and political strategy ahead of a general election has led to plans to deport 18,000 irregular migrants across Portugal. Luis Montenegro, leader of the center-right party Democratic Alliance and current Prime Minister, has faced criticism for announcing the deportation plans just before a snap election in May 2025 to gain voters. However, the Democratic Alliance didn’t win a majority. The head of the Socialist Party, Pedro Nuno Santos, resigned after winning the same number of seats as Chega, a relatively new far-right party rooted in anti-immigration rhetoric.

According to a Portuguese Migration and Home Affairs Office publication, attitudes toward immigrants among Portuguese people depend on their country of origin. Attitudes toward migrants from the Indian subcontinent, including countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, are more negative. Moreover, 68% of the public believe Portugal’s immigration policies are too liberal. They also think that the presence of immigrants impacts their salaries, despite the country’s economic growth depending on sectors where most employees are migrants (such as agriculture and construction).

Gentrification and Touristification

Like many popular destinations, Portugal has become a victim of its success within the tourism industry. Lisbon had 5.6 million visitors in 2023 alone. Thanks to the rise of Airbnb, house prices are rapidly increasing while the availability of public housing is diminishing. In addition to touristification, digital nomads arriving in Portugal with higher salaries have contributed heavily to gentrification.

Although rent and house prices have risen by 120% in cities such as Lisbon, wage levels have remained stagnant. This means many people cannot afford to continue living in the neighborhoods where they grew up. Moreover, some of the neighborhoods most affected by gentrification are home to some of the most multicultural communities in Portugal, meaning that immigrants and working-class people are being pushed to the peripheries of their cities.

Organizations Empowering Migrant Communities

Despite the deportations of migrants and the cultural erosion of their neighborhoods, some grassroots organizations are stepping up. They support and empower migrant communities while resisting the effects of mass tourism, digital nomadism and far-right politics.

  1. The Lisbon Project. One of the most notable organizations empowering migrant communities in Portugal is the Lisbon Project. It is a nonprofit organization (NGO) founded in 2016 to strengthen migrant and refugee communities across Lisbon and make them feel a sense of belonging. The charity currently has 5,952 registered community members from 250 countries, with the top nationalities being Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Algeria.

    Focusing on integration and empowerment, the Lisbon Project operates across various domains, including community life, education, employability and social care. Some of its specific projects include the Benevolence Program, which provides free items such as furniture and home appliances to new arrivals). Others include the Portuguese Welcome Course and free Community Dinners, among many others. Despite currently only operating in Lisbon, the organization aims to expand into three hubs across Portugal by the end of 2030.

  2. Renovar a Mouraria Foundation. Renovar a Mouraria is another Lisbon-based NGO. However, it focuses its support on the multicultural Mouraria neighborhood, which has become a home to multiple immigrant and refugee communities in Lisbon. However, due to the neighborhood’s abandonment and marginalization, residents have been affected by drug trafficking, rising social tensions and gentrification.

    Working with various stakeholders, including the Lisbon City Council, Renovar a Mouraria has been coordinating community-strengthening services since 2008. These include integrated social support, migrant regularization, Portuguese language courses and vocational training. In addition to providing practical services, the NGO has fostered creativity and communication in the neighborhood. One example is Secondary Residence, a collaborative project where a group of residents produced a collective reflection. It was based on their interactions with local people and their experiences living in Mouraria.

  3. The Portuguese Refugee Council (CPR). Similarly, the CPR is empowering migrant communities in Portugal and addressing their marginalization by deconstructing myths about refugees. It is also providing designated spaces, including three Refugee Reception Centers.

    Operating since 1991, the CPR has supported 14,640 refugees and asylum seekers in Portugal through advocacy, legal support, international protection and training sessions. Moreover, the CPR runs multiple services and projects specifically supporting child refugees, such as the CPR daycare and the Shelter for Refugee Children.

Final Remarks

Multiculturalism and the rich history of working-class neighborhoods across Portuguese cities deserve celebration and preservation. Thanks to the amazing organizations empowering migrant communities in Portugal, resettled populations can continue to thrive and network, fostering creativity, cultural exchange and positive integration.

– Clodagh Dowson

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

Photo: Flickr

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Nagorno-Karabakh: Post-War Recovery of Refugees

Nagorno-KarabakhNagorno-Karabakh is a small territory in the South Caucasus, between the regions of Armenia and Azerbaijan. These two states have contested this piece of land since the first war in the 1990s, with 30,000 casualties and significant displacements after Armenia took control of the territory. The conflict escalated in 2020 when Azerbaijan reclaimed a large part of Nagorno-Karabakh territory, along with the support of its ally, Turkey.

Russia moderated the ceasefire due to the shared ties with both nations; however, tension prevailed. In 2022, a blockade by Azerbaijani activists at the Lachin corridor prevented the free movement of food and essential goods. Both parties accused each other of posing threats, which was not confirmed. What remains clear is the consequent humanitarian crisis leading to an urgent post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.

Blockade of Lachin Corridor

The Azerbaijani military operation led to the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians from their homes. The blockade in the Lachin corridor left the population facing a severe shortage of resources essential to survival, such as medical and food supplies. The Azerbaijani government has been criticized internationally due to its failure to ensure a safe passage for the population and human rights violations.

The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and Russian peacekeepers tried sending aid, which the Azerbaijani administration had blocked, alleging unauthorized objects among them.

Displacement and Daily Struggles

Thirteen-year-old Natalie Musayelian fled Nagorno-Karabakh with her family. On her way, she collected berries, stones and a branch, keeping all the items in a small box of chocolates and the key to her house. Currently, she lives in Armenia with her aunt and grandmother. She misses her home every day and cherishes these objects as memories and comfort after the loss. Her story is just one of many people who were displaced from their homes due to the conflict.

Many refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have fled to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan and the region of Syunik. Armenia has already opened shelters and provided social aid for the displaced population. The U.N. launched a $97 million funding appeal to ease the burden on the volunteers and the Armenian host community. However, it anticipates further movement of people as they search for employment and long-term housing.

The Role of the US Foreign Aid

In 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power visited Armenia after a disproportionate number of displacements. She announced $11.5 million in U.S. humanitarian aid, providing essential supplies and psychosocial services. The collection of refugee testimonies enabled the criticism of the blockade. Furthermore, they reaffirmed the high level of concern for a post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.

Furthermore, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) hosted a two-day visit from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to assess support for refugee families. The delegation collaborated with local officials, social workers and even families, such as a grandmother in Kotayk struggling with her grandchildren’s care. USAID’s BHA provided a $1.13 million grant for emergency food assistance, which helped 30,000 refugees. Additionally, from February to September 2024, food cards and parcels were distributed to alleviate short-term needs, ensuring the families’ well-being.

– Sara Arias Saiz

Sara is based in Leipzig, Germany and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr