Archive for category: Refugees

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Bringing Clean and Affordable Cooking Solutions to Rural Africa

Cooking SolutionsMore than 2.6 billion people are without access to clean cooking solutions worldwide. Pesitho is a Danish company committed to providing clean and affordable cooking solutions to those in need in rural, off-grid areas.

The Problem

Cooking is a necessary part of human existence and survival, but it should not threaten people’s health and livelihood. Access to clean, affordable and reliable cooking methods can be hard to come by in rural areas. Millions of people die each year due to insufficient cooking methods — 2 billion people rely on wood and fuel in order to cook in their homes. The journey to obtain suitable firewood can be long and hazardous and sometimes fatal. Locals run the risk of animals attacking them or stepping on landmines, and even experiencing assault or rape. Burning wood in a home can cause smoke inhalation which can lead to lung cancer, heart failure and other respiratory problems.

These problems mainly threaten women and girls because the burden of cooking meals usually falls upon them. Unfortunately for these women and girls, they have no other choice and are forced to expose themselves to the dangers that come with cooking. When fuel is not provided and food is left uncooked, arguments can erupt within the family household and can sometimes lead to violence.

Pesitho’s pilot project and primary focus are refugee families from African countries like South Sudan or the DRC who were forced to flee their homes due to war, and now reside in rural locations in Uganda. The Bidibidi refugee settlement in Northwestern Uganda — home to more than 270,000 refugees and spanning an area of 250 square kilometers — is where Pesitho mainly operates. Pesitho also provides aid to locals in the nearby areas who have very low incomes and are in vulnerable situations. Pesitho has partnered with Mercy Corps, Caritas, the World Food Programme (WFP) and a number of other organizations to bring the ECOCA — an electric solar cooker — to these rural locations.

The ECOCA

The ECOCA is a small compact cooking device that solar energy powers. It can keep food warm for hours and power a house for an entire day. ECOCA units are assembled locally by hired locals who are trained as technicians, giving jobs to these vulnerable communities.

The ECOCA, which includes a battery pack, a solar panel array and a cooking pot, is easily installed in small spaces and easily portable due to its size. The stove can cook a family of five to seven members three meals a day and can work hours after dark. The ECOCA also includes two USB ports and two rechargeable lamps for cooking after dark. With this innovative design, families no longer have to bear the burden of collecting wood or buying fuel, and no longer become subject to smoke inhalation.

Pay-As-You-Cook System

In September 2020, Pesitho and Mercy Corps applied for the Elrha Journey 2 Scale Grant, which allowed it to expand its current productions and initiate the Pay-As-You-Cook system or PAYC. The PAYC system makes the ECOCA even more affordable and allows users to pay per usage over a maximum of five years rather than purchasing the ECOCA upfront.

Pesitho’s Impact

Pesitho has changed the lives of countless people through its innovative technology. Bajura, a local resident of the Bidibidi refugee camp, has created a phone repair and radio business since receiving his ECOCA in 2020. Bajura uses the solar panel from the ECOCA as his main power source. Using the USB ports on the electric cooker, he is able to charge a number of other devices such as mobile phones and radios. Bajura built his business around phone repair and charging, which generates enough income for him to support himself and his family. Barjura’s business is a great example of how the ECOCA improves the lives of these locals and how it can be used for more than just cooking.

Since Pesitho’s establishment in 2017, it has continued to bring clean and affordable cooking solutions to rural areas. Cooking is not only a fundamental part of human existence, but it also brings people and communities together. Pesitho has changed the lives of families in eastern Africa and will continue to do so in the future. Anyone can help bring more ECOCAs to people in need by donating on Pesitho’s website.

– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr

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Improving the Lives of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Unable to obtain citizenship or the right to work, Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon have faced many obstacles and restrictions. Forced into displacement by war since 1948, thousands of Palestinians have found refuge in their neighboring country, Lebanon. Through its many wars and conflicts, an increasingly corrupt government and a worsening economic situation since 2019, Lebanon has never been the most welcoming environment for refugees, particularly Palestinians. 

Problems Palestinian Refugees Face in Lebanon 

Lebanon is the country that hosts the largest number of refugees per capita, due to surrounding wars and conflicts in its neighboring countries of Syria and Palestine. According to UNICEF, there are around 210,000 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, all of whom are prohibited from working in 39 professions such as medicine, law and engineering. They are also unable to access health and education provided by the Lebanese government because a discriminatory Lebanese law means that Palestinians are unable to gain Lebanese citizenship, and thus unable to access essentials like work and education.

For many in Lebanon, particularly refugees, life has become unlivable. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) reported that poverty levels reached 93% among Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon. Moreover, all 12 refugee camps in Lebanon suffer from mass crowding, poor conditions and increased risk of involvement in violence, all of which pose a significant threat to the camps’ youth and the livelihoods of families. 

The Role of UNRWA and UNICEF

However, there have been many efforts to improve their conditions including social initiatives and calls for aid and assistance. While UNRWA has assisted in providing education and school supplies, these are all based on donations, all of which have severely declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, UNRWA has called for $13 million to provide crucial cash assistance to Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon as well as health care services and essential supplies.

UNICEF has also called for aid to provide help to Palestinian children living in Lebanon. For instance, their efforts consist of solutions put forward by the Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC), such as ensuring that the Lebanese government implements the Lebanese working group on Palestinian Refugees Affairs in Labour and Social Security for Palestine Refugees, as well as a Youth Strategy for Palestinian Refugees 2019-2025. 

UNICEF’s achievements provide great hope for improving the lives of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, especially children. Some of these include: 

  • Encouraging employability opportunities through youth-led initiatives. 
  • Providing school supplies. 
  • Training to education personnel.
  • Intervention services to prevent gender-based violence.
  • Repair and maintenance of more than 500 water systems. 

Innovative Initiatives and Interactive Workshops 

There have been several inspiring workshop initiatives that provide Palestinian and Syrian refugees — particularly those living in Lebanon’s Shatila refugee camp — the opportunity to earn consistent wages through interactive workshops.

Tatreez is a Palestinian embroidery style, emblematic of Palestinian culture and endurance. In the Shatila refugee camp, Tatreez workshops are led by Palestinian women who teach the tradition to younger generations, preserving cultural traditions as well as providing a safe environment and community for women living in the Shatila refugee camp. The long-term goal is to provide women in the workshop with a consistent income to improve their livelihoods and make ends meet, as many of the women aspire to continue embroidering and selling their pieces.

Similarly, the Jiu-Jitsu boot camp for young children in Shatila has provided a safe haven and opportunity for “self-discipline, respect and self-defence” for young boys who are susceptible to a life of crime. In conjunction with the boot camp, organizers of the initiative, Saoud and Mohammed, were able to raise more than £15,000, all of which went towards establishing long-term initiatives as well as ensuring there was a long-lasting impact on the community at Shatila refugee camp. 

Looking Ahead 

As Palestinian refugees continue to face hardships and obstacles to a better future, there needs to be wider address and support, domestically and internationally, of their situation. Projects and workshop initiatives have increasingly provided hope for Palestinian refugees who have long struggled to access stable jobs and livelihoods while living in Lebanon. 

The impact of these creative and interactive workshops is significant in offering real work for Palestinian refugees who are unable to work because of discriminatory laws and a beneficial outlet for young boys in refugee camps. More funding of these projects by governments and organizations could widen the number of refugees reached and help to solve the problems that they face on a daily basis. 

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr

The Benefits of Sports in Greek Refugee Camps

Sports in Greek Refugee CampsA number of humanitarian organizations provide opportunities for migrants to play sports in Greek refugee camps. Families often have to live in extremely dehumanizing and mentally taxing conditions in the camps. Lesvos, one of the encampments helped by the programs, is situated on the eastern Mediterranean migration route. When refugees began arriving on the island in 2015, Lesvos residents welcomed the refugees with open arms, and the island earned the Nansen Refugee Award and a nomination for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. 

Background

More and more refugees came to the island due to the open environment. Conditions quickly became overcrowded, and refugees lacked access to basic necessities. Some call the island a European “open-air refugee prison.” Refugees must stay on the island while the government reviews their refugee status, and the government has rejected all demands to create new refugee camps, resulting in a packed and underserviced area. Some have waited for years for a decision on their asylum case as they continue to live on the island with their families. 

In 2022, about 1,500 asylum seekers were living on the island. They live in makeshift camps with barely any access to food, shelter, medicine and education for their children. The EU has failed to establish a sufficient allocation system to relieve the pressure on Italy and Greece, leading to overcrowded camps like Lesvos that can only offer limited aid. Four other Greek islands are also home to makeshift refugee camps. 

The Katsikas camp is another underserviced camp helped by Yoga and Sport and Soup and Socks. The Katsikas camp is the largest refugee encampment in the Epirus region of Greece, which hosts more than 3,000 migrants. In 2020, the European Commission published its New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which focuses on returns and deterrence of migrants rather than improving human rights standards in existing refugee camps or preparing new camps to elevate the pressure off of overcrowded camps like the one in Lesvos. Authorities especially dehumanize migrants in Katsika. The camp has slowly adopted the structure of a prison.

A Beacon of Hope

In 2022, the government built 3-meter-high walls around the camp, and the camp director announced a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with migrants needing permission to leave and enter the camp during those hours. Security cameras have been installed all over the camp to surveil the migrants. Interviewed migrants indicated their disapproval of the wall and expressed a sense of alienation and separation from the surrounding Greek community.

As such, these humanitarian organizations’ work is instrumental in maintaining morale and allowing refugees a brief reprieve from their harsh reality. Becoming passionate about a sport offers a brief diversion from the stressful conditions of the camp. Sports in Greek refugee encampments may start as a way to find joy in the encampments. Still, it can also become a lifelong commitment, with some refugees expressing a desire to make a career in the sport by joining a more advanced professional athletic team or becoming teachers of the sport. Habibi and Sports with Refugees (HSR), led by Soup and Socks in partnership with Yoga and Sport, has a tremendous impact on refugees in the Katsikas camp. HSR allows refugees to choose different sports, including yoga, running, swimming, martial arts, dance and climbing. 

Another program initiated by the organization in 2016 called Habibi-Works gives refugees in the area a chance to develop their creativity by running a maker space facility near the encampment. The makerspace features a media lab, a metal and wood workspace and a sewing atelier. The program allows the refugees to explore the arts and develop technical skills that could be useful in their future careers.

Final Thoughts

Bringing sport to Greek refugee encampments and allowing the refugees to explore creative outlets are incredibly impactful methods of raising morale and giving a sense of community to the often-alienated migrants. By fostering connections, promoting self-expression, and offering an escape from the challenges they face, these initiatives play a vital role in creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for migrants.

– Tatiana Gnuva
Photo: Flickr

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Urgent Need: Access to Education for Refugee Children

Education for Refugee ChildrenAs conflicts continue to run rampant, people are forced to flee and abandon their homes. In a new world of uncertainty, children’s fundamental right to education is being denied. Seven million refugee children are currently out of school, about half of all refugee children. Without sufficient learning, many of these children will face further difficulties and challenges.

The Growing Issue of Refugee Children

According to UNICEF estimates, by the end of 2022, an unprecedented 43.3 million children were residing in forced displacement, with a significant portion enduring this difficulty throughout their entire childhood. This is double what was recorded in the last decade. Some of these children may never have the opportunity to receive an education throughout their lives.

Nearly 2 million children were born into refugee status. This indicates a generational poverty cycle, where generations struggle with basic access to education, health care and financial support. This puts millions of refugee children at an even greater disadvantage. Some children have even been separated from their families and are now alone. 

The Importance of Education

Education is a fundamental right for children across the world, no matter the circumstance. It equips every child with the tools to enhance their future, and it provides them with the knowledge and skills to empower themselves to take control over their life/future. 

The enrollment rates for refugees, on average, are 38% for pre-primary education, 65% for primary education, 41% for secondary education and merely 6% for tertiary education.

Education protects these vulnerable children from recruitment and exploitation, while also improving community strength. Refugee children are often targeted for unlawful and immoral purposes, especially those who have become separated and are alone. Education and knowledge are key to preventing these occurrences via an understanding of their rights and well-being.

UNESCO research finds that limited access to education for refugee children and significant educational disparities contribute to an increased likelihood of violence and conflict, which leads to a destructive cycle of missed educational opportunities, conflict and displacement. Over 21 years, areas with exceptionally low average education had a 50% probability of conflict. Education is an investment in long-term stability, where educated individuals can build better lives and contribute to their communities. 

Finally, amid the chaos of losing your home, education brings a sense of routine and structure to young children’s lives. It provides comfort, safety and a caring environment for these children to thrive in. This also contributes to the overall mental health of these children, as stress and anxiety can become prevalent through their tough experiences. 

Challenges and Solutions

The biggest challenge in education for refugee children is access. Many of these children do not have adequate access to education due to financial barriers, displacement and sometimes due to lack of infrastructure. A majority of these camps lack educational facilities, materials and qualified teachers. 

To enhance access, coordinated efforts are required. Through governmental agencies and NGOs, access can be brought to every refugee child. Financial support is key, as many kids cannot afford education. Governments should also ensure the enforcement of education for every child under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Investments are also needed to improve infrastructure, improve the quality of teaching and provide school equipment.

Trauma and psychological distress are also issues that stop refugee children from attending school. Many refugee children experience trauma, loss, violence and sudden change. All of these negatively affect a child’s ability to learn and concentrate and camps don’t tend to have access to mental health help or counseling. 

To help children who are suffering mentally, counseling and more awareness surrounding mental health are required. Counseling will provide a safe space and environment where issues can be identified and thus be resolved. Mental health awareness will also teach kids emotional intelligence and how to deal with problems that may arise. 

Financial power is a prominent issue for refugee families. Because of economic pressure, children become victims of child labor. Where financial earnings are considered more important than education and school.

Scholarships and financial support are pivotal in boosting school enrollment among refugee children. By alleviating financial burdens, families can prioritize their children’s education and break the cycle of poverty.

Remarkably, the U.N. Foundation reports that “less than 2% of humanitarian aid goes towards education.” Education for displaced children is severely underfunded. Initiatives like Education Cannot Wait, a new fund that supports education for children during situations of crises and prolonged emergencies, are working to rectify this situation. The urgent need for access to education for refugee children demands immediate attention, collaboration and resource allocation to secure a brighter future for these vulnerable young lives.

– Lewis Butcher
Photo: Pexels

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Everything You Need to Know About Lual Mayen’s Video Game Activism

Video Game ActivismWhilst growing up in a Ugandan refugee camp, Lual Mayen wished for a computer. His mother saved for over three years to make this a reality. Today, Lual Mayen’s video game activism highlights the relationship between digital media and social justice.

Many people share the opinion that video games cause violent behavior. There are thousands of games centered around violence and warfare on the internet and most gaming platforms. Although the link between video games and aggression is unclear, the social impact of gaming is undeniable. There are approximately 3 billion gamers globally, more than 38% of the population.

This staggering market is the target audience of Lual Mayen’s video game activism. After receiving his computer, Mayen began playing Grand Theft Auto, a game notorious for conflict and violence. Mayen’s gameplay prompted him to consider the relationship between digital media and children’s development. In an interview with the Guardian, he said,

“In South Sudan, most of the population is under 30. They were born in war, raised in war. I saw conflict every day in the refugee camp. I realized that if more kids in the camp play Grand Theft Auto, they might think that’s how things are done.”

This assessment of the immense influence of video games sparked Lual Mayen’s video game activism journey.

The Beginning: Junub Games

In Uganda, Mayen taught himself to code and develop games promoting peace. After receiving recognition for his admirable work, he moved to the United States in 2017. Lual Mayen spent the first 22 years of his life in a refugee camp.

After moving, Mayen founded Junub Games. With Mayen acting as CEO, Junub Games has since created a range of games to counteract violence. Mayen clearly keeps his own experiences in a refugee camp at the heart of his company, as the games are made accessible to IDPs (internally displaced persons) and refugees. This decision increases digital literacy, morale and positive behavior in impoverished areas.

However, this is only the beginning of Lual Mayen’s video game activism within Junub Games. Junub Games’ first product, Salaam, was launched in 2020 on Facebook Instant Games.

In Salaam, players play as a refugee fleeing their war-torn community. Salaam, an Arabic word, translates to peace, the game’s very aim. The company urges players to find peace for the virtual character and current refugees. Mayen based the game’s plot on his parents’ escape from the Sudanese civil war in the 1990s.

The game is free to download, but players can make in-app purchases. These purchases are essential to Lual Mayen’s video game activism, as buying resources in-game sends supplies to real-world refugees.

Maximizing Impact: The Lual Mayen Foundation

Lual Mayen continues to support impoverished refugees through the Lual Mayen Foundation. Mayen developed the organization to teach refugees animation skills. Subsequently, the foundation provides career prospects to refugees through digital literacy.

Mayen’s nonprofit partnered with Unity Technologies, a software company, in 2021 to fund the Ugandan tech center. Mayen developed the center for the very refugee camp he grew up in. Unity supplied a staggering $50,000 for the project.

The center focuses on providing refugees with skills to make STEM-related careers accessible. The organization’s goal is to make the program a permanent fixture.

Spreading the Message: Public Events

The year 2023 marks six years since Mayen lived in a refugee camp. However, Lual Mayen’s video game activism continues to spread. In July 2023, Mayen attended the Games for Change 2023 Festival and spoke at the Games and SDG Summit. The summit is uniquely innovative, combining the games industry with the U.N. to discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are the 17 core aims of the U.N. to achieve “peace and prosperity for people and the planet.” These goals include eradicating poverty, hunger and gender inequality. Moreover, these goals
strive toward sustainability, access to clean water and educational opportunities for all. The Games and SDG Summit discussed how digital media industries can support these goals, with Mayen’s activism being a perfect example.

Immersive media, such as video games, hold a wide audience that has only continued to grow in recent years. Luan Mayen’s video game activism illustrates how tapping into this large industry can put a spotlight on issues such as poverty and displaced people.

Mayen’s story is one of hardship and, more importantly, hope. As a former refugee turned video game mogul, Luan Mayen embodies human determination. “Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not,” according to Mayen.

– Bethany Brown
Photo: Flickr

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How Migration to Colombia Helps its Economy

Migration to Colombia
Since 2015, Latin America has undergone a remarkable evacuation of migrants from Venezuela instigated by an economic and political crisis within the country resulting in hyperinflation, starvation and crime. In 2020, more than 95% of people in Venezuela were living in poverty, thus many have been forced to leave. The UN has given Venezuelan migrants refugee-like status which has sparked a major migration to Colombia. 

Colombia: The Second Largest Host to a Refugee-Like Population

Colombia has become the world’s largest recipient of Venezuelans as it holds approximately 40% of all Venezuelan refugees. There are an estimated 2.9 million Venezuelan migrants residing in Colombia and they make up around 5% of the population. Colombia has been the main destination for Venezuelans due to Colombia’s proximity and the strong similarity between cultures. 

A large portion of Venezuelan migrants are educated professionals and middle-class young people holding university degrees. However, these migrants who are more educated than local populations experience higher unemployment and have a higher chance of working in the informal sector as many Colombians have negative views toward the migrants. The unemployment rate for Venezuelan migrants is 12.7% for those who have lived in Colombia for over a year and 23% for those who have been in Colombia for less than a year. While many Venezuelans have the skills to be beneficial to the Colombian economy, their potential has been wasted.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), if these migrants can be integrated into the formal economy with positions matching their qualifications, migration to Colombia can increase real GDP by up to 4.5 percentage points relative to a baseline without migration by 2030.

Venezuelan Migration Presents a Big Economic Opportunity to Colombia

By adding to the labor force, the average annual rate of growth could increase 0.7 to 0.9 percentage points according to the World Bank. More migration also increases investment and consumption as well as widens the tax base. If the integration into the formal market can be administered properly, Colombia can obtain macroeconomic gains.

Seeing the development opportunity in the migration to Colombia, the government with the assistance of international organizations like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, has created revolutionary open policies for the economic and social integration of Venezuelan migrants. 

Colombia: Global Leader in Venezuela Migration Response

Colombia has become a global leader in its response to Venezuela’s unprecedented migration as the government sets a new example for handling large masses of displaced and vulnerable people.  

Colombia’s policies revolve around three objectives:

  1. Colombia is in the process of expanding access to markets and services such as health, education, jobs and housing, as well as protection services for vulnerable people such as family reunification, child protection and human trafficking victims. 
  2. Colombia’s government founded the Migration Management Office and passed the Temporary Protection Status for Venezuelan Migrants to establish the legal basis for integration through issuing stay permits and setting regulations that ease regularization. The Temporary Protection Status grants migrants a permit to stay and work for up to an unprecedented 10 years without a work visa. This process began in 2021 and already around 2.4 million Venezuelans have gotten this status which has decreased unemployment and increased wages. 
  3. Colombia’s government is working to eliminate prejudice and xenophobia to advance cohesion between Colombians and Venezuelans to create long-term inclusion. The Colombian government with the help of diverse organizations has launched campaigns to promote inclusion and work to address discrimination in the Colombian workforce.

Looking Ahead

While Colombia’s response has helped millions of Venezuelans, it has also brought some challenges. Public hospitals and public schools are being strained and have incurred major debts covering the new migrants. 

The COVID-19 virus exacerbated these challenges as many Colombians fell into poverty and unemployment rose. International cooperation and assistance from international organizations can be crucial in ensuring that integration efforts are sustainable. 

Migration to Colombia has been a struggle but brings a major opportunity for development and economic growth. Despite this economic opportunity, prejudice prevents them from fully integrating into the economy. If Colombia is successful with its efforts to eliminate prejudice and integrate Venezuelans into the Colombian workforce, the country can gain considerable economic advances and provide a new chance at life for millions of people. As Colombia’s presidential advisor said, “We gave Venezuelan migrants a license to dream.”

– Cameron Alcocer
Photo: Flickr

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NGO Mareena Helps Ukrainian Refugees in Slovakia Survive

Ukrainian Refugees in SlovakiaAmid the Ukrainian war displacing millions of civilians, Slovakian NGO members are lining the border and providing necessary care to those left with nothing. Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia can find support from local NGO volunteers, smoothing their transition from war into an entirely new society.

As of May 2023, there are 5.1 million people displaced within Ukraine, and the U.N. recognizes 6.2 million Ukrainian refugees globally. War exacerbates human struggle — heartache and loss run rampant through Ukraine and surrounding states as people fight to survive; yet, one NGO based out of Slovakia continues to provide hope and healing. 

Background on Mareena’s Work

Mareena is an NGO and UNICEF partner that works to make Slovakia a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. Acceptance of diversity is (like in most countries) a looming issue in Slovakian society, and Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia are increasingly facing the consequences. 

Over half of Slovakian people view the influx of Ukrainian refugees as burdening Slovakian economics — a view Mareena wants to change. Public opinion surveys report that support for refugee help has slowly decreased as economic struggle continues globally. Yet, Mareena members are banding together to provide a better integration process for people migrating into Slovakia — specifically Ukrainian refugees. They aim to foster an environment that betters locals’ and immigrants’ health and well-being as collaboratively as possible.

More Challenges for Refugees in Slovakia

Of the million Ukrainians that have arrived at the Slovakian border seeking asylum, 100,000 have applied for refugee status in Slovakia. It is a slow process to bring about systemic change that will revitalize positive public opinion. However, NGO Mareena’s front-line action still makes a tangible impact on protecting the people. 

Refugees arriving at the border of another country can often face inhumane treatment, and NGOs like Mareena drive most of the kindness and support on the Slovakian border. Mareena partners with international organizations like UNICEF to advocate long-term help for Ukraine while working first-hand with the people needing immediate help. The Mareena volunteers — many of them women — offer safety and survival resources to refugees at the border, providing a safe and welcoming space amid hardship. 

The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia recognized the women banding together on the border during International Women’s Day, commending their bravery in providing medical assistance and helpful survival information to the refugees. Their recognition noted that one of the Mareena volunteers, Katarina, expressed to the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia that helping people in general, and especially in acculturating into Slovakia, is how she feels “helpful, fulfilled and useful.” 

Final Thoughts

War persists until humanity is stripped from the area. Those caught in the struggle are more often civilians than otherwise, and Mareena recognizes this challenge. With support from volunteers, some international partnerships and donations, Mareena can help provide educational, psychosocial and social inclusion support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia. 

Because of Mareena, there is a ray of hope for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia who have to rebuild their lives from scratch.

– Eden Ambrovich
Photo: Pixabay

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Providing Support to Refugees in the Netherlands

Support to Refugees in the NetherlandsFounded in 2021 by Thami Schweichler, the United Repair Centre is a Dutch for-profit social enterprise that specializes in clothing repair. With rising numbers of clothing waste and rising numbers of refugees in the Netherlands, the United Repair Centre’s strategy prevents clothing waste while providing support to refugees in the Netherlands.

Clothing Waste

Replacing damaged but reparable clothes with new clothes results in unnecessary expenses and, on a large scale, the disposal of clothes has both environmental and health impacts. Overall, the World Economic Forum says the clothing industry accounts for about a tenth of man-made CO2 emissions, and oftentimes, the clothes that people discard are disposed of via burning, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

Moreover, the cotton used to produce various items of clothing, such as jeans and t-shirts, requires significant amounts of water that people could otherwise use to meet their clean drinking water needs. In fact, in just half a century, the massive uptick of cotton production in Uzbekistan caused almost the entire Aral Sea (actually a lake) to dry up, the World Economic Forum says.

However, by working with large-scale clothing companies such as Patagonia, Lululemon and Decathlon to repair damaged articles of clothing, the United Repair Centre is reducing clothing waste and reducing the demand for new clothing that puts a strain on environmental resources.

Support to Refugees in the Netherlands

In 2022, the Netherlands saw a significant influx of refugees. More specifically, in 2021, the total population of refugees in the Netherlands stood at just under 100,000. But, in 2022, that number increased to almost 220,000, with the majority of refugees coming from countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen, where there are ongoing humanitarian crises. Starting over in a new country with nothing but the bags on their backs, refugees face several barriers when arriving in a host country. Apart from difficult living conditions in overcrowded asylum accommodations with limited access to health care, education and other essential resources, refugees struggle to secure paid work to move toward financial stability.

Recognizing these adversities, the United Repair Centre endeavors to help by supporting refugees in the Netherlands. The center hires refugees as employees, offering positions to both those with relevant work experience in their former home countries and those with no previous experience. For those with no experience, the center offers on-the-job training. The center intends to launch an officially certified training course in clothing repair work so that refugees have higher chances of securing future employment with a qualification.

As of July 2023, the United Repair Centre employs 20 full-time workers who are either “economic migrants or refugees.” In addition to providing vocational opportunities, the United Repair Centre also helps its employees adjust to the new host country by pointing them to essential services such as free language classes, legal support and housing services. One such employee benefiting from the support of the center is a Syrian refugee named Ramzi, who uses the opportunities given to him by the United Repair Centre to support his family.

Looking Ahead

As the humanitarian crises around the world continue, the numbers of refugees and asylum seekers continue to rise. The challenges for these people do not end once they have successfully sought asylum in a new country. Refugees and asylum seekers face barriers that include social and cultural integration and a lack of access to adequate health care, education, employment and other critical resources and services necessary for a prosperous life. In this regard, the United Repair Centre offers a lifeline of support to refugees in the Netherlands by providing them with vocational opportunities and assistance in integrating into a new country. In the process of doing so, the center helps to save the environment by repairing damaged clothes, which reduces clothing waste and production. As the United Repair Centre continues to expand as a for-profit social enterprise, the enterprise’s impact will continue to grow.

– Athan Yanos
Photo: Flickr

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3 charities helping refugees in the UK

Refugees in the UKWith multiple crises currently affecting the world, more and more people find themselves needing assistance. According to the U.N., 6.1 million people have been forced to flee from Ukraine since Russia’s invasion, with a further 1.5 million people fleeing from Afghanistan since the Taliban take over in 2021. Additionally, climate-related disasters cause people to flee to safer areas. In 2019 alone, 25 million people sought refuge in other countries as a result of weather events, such as fires, floods and droughts.

Refugees fleeing from extreme weather events will become more common as the climate crisis intensifies, according to the U.N.  Charities that seek to offer assistance to refugees are essential. The following are charities that are helping refugees in the U.K.

Refugee Action 

Refugee Action, founded in 1981, is a charity that provides refugees in the U.K. with the basic support that they need to survive. For instance, in 2019-2020 alone, 3,000 refugees were given accommodation and access to financial support. This support ensures that refugees in the U.K. have a stable foundation that they can build on. 

Ahmed’s story best exemplifies the work of Refugee Action. After fleeing Egypt in fear for his life, Ahmed was greeted with nothing but a place on the streets. He was homeless, with no hope of securing stable accommodations, due to the Home Office withholding access to identification. Fortunately, Refugee Action was able to intervene and help Ahmed secure long-term accommodation and provide him with official identification, so he could gain stable employment.

Refugee Council 

Refugee Council was founded in 1951, after the creation of the U.N. refugee convention. It is an organization that not only seeks to support refugees in the U.K. but also campaigns for a fairer and more just asylum system.

Each year, this organization provides several forms of assistance for 13,000 refugees in the U.K. This includes offering to support them while they integrate into their new society, along with supplying aid to children who have arrived without parents. Since the majority of refugees are fleeing from dangerous situations, it is likely that they have experienced some form of trauma. Because of this, Refugee Council offers mental health support to every refugee that they come into contact with. 

Additionally, this organization works to highlight and change the inequities in the U.K.’s asylum system. For example, 25% of asylum seekers wait four to six weeks for official documents. These documents enable them to gain official employment or accommodation.

Without these documents, refugees either cannot work or are forced to work in dangerous, low-paid and unregulated jobs. Furthermore, refugees in the U.K. are only permitted to stay in government accommodation for 28 days, so many refugees are forced into homelessness, while they wait for their documents. Refugee Council campaigns to bring an end to this policy, as it causes countless vulnerable refugees to become homeless.

Other campaigning work by this organization includes a successful effort to improve the protections offered to women who are fleeing abusive situations. Before Refugee Council’s campaign, adequate protections were not in place, and female refugees were still left vulnerable to the same kind of abuse that they had fled from.

Young Roots 

Young Roots, founded by Rachel Yarrow, Roz Evans and Kathy Brook in 2004, is a charity that works directly with refugees in the U.K. to improve their life chances. This organization employs refugees at all levels to ensure that the charity is driven by people with personal experience of the plight of refugees in the U.K. 

Focusing their efforts in Croydon and Brent, Young Roots provided casework services and advice hubs for 873 people in 2019 alone. These services provide refugees with legal support and offer therapy for those who need it. 

In addition, Young Roots seeks to increase the confidence of young refugees in the U.K. by offering different classes, such as dance and drama. 

Raena, who arrived in the U.K. in 2018, has benefited greatly from these classes. Upon arriving in the U.K., Raena was very shy and was also apprehensive about becoming a part of her new community. Fortunately, Young Roots reached out to her, and she began attending the young women’s group, where she could mix with other young, female refugees. Over time, her confidence grew, so she was now able to volunteer for the organization, offering interview classes for fellow young refugees. This improved Raena’s life chances, as holding the classes imparted her with valuable experience for taking part in interviews to get a job of her own. 

What’s Next?

While these three organizations are doing fantastic and much-needed work, there is still more to be done. Refugees in the U.K. are an incredibly vulnerable group, and they are only going to become increasingly common as the climate crisis intensifies.

– Tom Eccles
Photo: Flickr

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Improving Access to Technology and Information for Refugees

Information for Refugees
Refugees face numerous challenges upon arriving in Calais, a town in Northern France, as they attempt to cross into the U.K. According to the refugee charity, Care4Calais, most refugees are fleeing war-torn and impoverished countries like Afghanistan, Syria and South Sudan. However, the U.K. offers limited legal options for refugees to seek asylum. In response to this situation, an organization called Refugee Info Bus strives to enhance refugees’ access to technology and information in Calais, empowering them with knowledge about their rights and connecting them to family and local support organizations.

Where is Calais?

Calais, often referred to as the jungle, serves as a point of entry for migrants attempting to reach the U.K. It is located in Northern France, where hostile weather conditions and pervasive anti-immigrant sentiments contribute to challenging living conditions for the refugees. Although the French government demolished the central camp in Calais, smaller encampments persist in the region. Human Rights Watch reports that migrants frequently face eviction, harassment and confiscation of their belongings. Additionally, humanitarian assistance is constrained and limited, making it difficult for individuals to access basic necessities such as food, water and suitable shelter. In this trying environment, refugees urgently need support and guidance, and organizations like Refugee Info Bus play a crucial role in improving their access to technology and relevant information.

The conditions of the camps in Calais are rough, but many refugees struggle to leave the area safely. In 2021, 2,000 people lived in Calais according to the Human Rights Watch data. Refugees hoping to leave Calais struggle with the asylum process in the U.K.

Why is it Challenging for Migrants to Stay in the UK Legally?

The Nationality and Borders Act focuses on the use of unsafe routes to enter the U.K. According to the Refugee Council, the U.K. does not provide safer routes for refugees to receive asylum, so refugees often face penalties. Refugees often travel risky routes because they are fleeing violence, persecution and unsafe living conditions. Refugees often have no choice but to travel illegally without identity documents. Persecuted individuals are forced to leave their home country with nothing.

The U.K. issues visas to determine the legality of an individual’s stay in the country, but these visas remain inaccessible to refugees fleeing perilous circumstances and poverty. The lack of visas makes it exceedingly challenging for refugees to secure asylum. In this difficult landscape, Refugee Info Bus plays a critical role in providing support to these vulnerable migrants.

What Does Refugee Info Bus Do?

Refugee Info Bus originated in 2016 to help refugees in Calais connect with resources to help them receive asylum. Through its mobile bus, the organization provides Wifi, phone charging, phone repair, batteries and mobile phones.

According to the Refugee Info Bus website, “we facilitated over 10,000 Wi-Fi logins and delivered more than 1,000 workshops to 3,000+ individuals on the U.K. and French asylum systems as well as ‘’know your rights’’ workshops, following and during evictions.” The organization focuses on access to technology and information for refugees seeking asylum.

Refugee Info Bus, established in 2016, serves as a lifeline for refugees in Calais, connecting them with essential resources to aid their asylum process. The organization operates a mobile bus equipped with Wi-Fi, phone charging, repair services, batteries and mobile phones. Its efforts have facilitated more than 10,000 Wi-Fi logins and delivered more than 1,000 workshops to more than 3,000 individuals in the U.K. and French asylum systems, along with “know your rights” workshops, especially during evictions.

Additionally, the organization expanded its services to Greece in 2017, offering audio and video materials in multiple languages to help refugees navigate the intricate asylum process. These services have also extended to online platforms. “From 2018-2019, we created 40 videos that have been viewed 750k times in total, each video receives on average around 20 private messages or requests for further info or assistance.”

Looking Ahead

Refugees rely on the mobile bus to connect with their families and acquire knowledge about the asylum process. They access the internet, which is vital for staying connected to external support networks. Given the intricate nature of the asylum process and the legalities involved, being well-informed about their rights is crucial for refugees. The commendable work of Refugee Info Bus significantly improves access to technology and vital information for refugees residing in temporary and precarious circumstances.

 – Ellie Bruce
Photo: Flickr