Archive for category: Refugees

The Olympic Refuge Foundation Provides Hope Through Sport

Olympic Refuge FoundationAn increasing number of people around the world face the daunting task of fleeing conflict, violence and poverty, leaving behind their livelihoods to start anew in unfamiliar territories. The circumstances of refugees make them vulnerable to poverty. Projects that cater to the well-being of refugees are of utmost importance given the current global refugee crisis. The Olympic Refuge Foundation employs sports to aid young refugees in finding a sense of belonging, building confidence, establishing purpose and even developing careers that can pave the way to a prosperous future.

4 Facts About Refugees

  1. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, the number of people forced to flee their homes has reached an all-time high, with currently 35.3 million refugees worldwide.
  2. According to UNICEF, around half of the world’s refugees are children. This is particularly worrying as refugee children are three times more likely than refugee adults to be poor.
  3. Developing countries host 85% of refugees, exposing them to disproportionate rates of poverty.
  4. Turkey now hosts the highest number of refugees with 3.7 million, followed by Colombia with 1.7 million.

World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June, aims to highlight the strength and courage of people who have been compelled to leave their home countries.

The Olympic Refuge Foundation

Since the 1990s, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have been developing sports programs in the camps and settlements where refugees often find themselves. People from various countries, speaking different languages, have united through sports, finding joy in simple games like basketball.

Sports projects have grown beyond the camp boundaries since then. In March 2016, the IOC announced the formation of the Olympic Refugee Team. During the Summer Olympics in Rio, 10 athletes were chosen to be part of the first-ever IOC Refugee Olympic Team.

During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, 29 refugee athletes competed across 12 different sports. The increased number of top-level athletes also reflects the global expansion of sports programs working to assist refugees. In December 2017, the IOC established the Olympic Refuge Foundation with the aim of providing consistent support not only to high-level refugee athletes but to refugees worldwide. The foundation currently supports 12 programs in eight countries: Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda, Turkey and Uganda, with plans to extend the project to France.

The sports projects in refugee camps provide safe and inclusive spaces for young people escaping violence, abuse, negligence and exploitation. Young people of different nationalities are able to communicate with each other through the common language of sport, making valuable friendships and building trust and confidence in themselves. The day-to-day activities contribute to the social cohesion and development of people who have been scarred by their past. Fighting the feeling of hopelessness and desolation is so common in camps and is key to their future growth and recovery.

Terrains D’avenir

The IOC and Olympic Refuge Foundation are also eager to leverage the upcoming Olympics in Paris as a means to promote sports in local communities in France. With the support of the French Ministry of Sports and several other partners, a program known as Terrains d’Avenir was launched. It aims to provide access to sports for 7,000 young people affected by displacement by 2025. The program, initiated in June 2023, seeks to support refugees in their recovery from traumatic experiences and to integrate them into French society through sports.

The project is open to all displaced young people, regardless of their administrative status or ability to speak French and will offer organized activities across a variety of sports.

Overall, starting over in a new country can be quite challenging. It often involves learning a new language, adapting to new customs, finding a new job and integrating into the local community. However, with the support of organizations like the Olympic Refuge Foundation, young displaced individuals can aspire to a brighter future through sports.

– Almaz Nerurkar
Photo: Flickr

How Technology is Helping Refugees in South Sudan

Refugees in South SudanSouth Sudan, a small country, has a population of 12 million people, and poverty affects around 82% of them. Conflict and displacement are among the biggest contributors to this situation. Out of the 12 million citizens, more than 2 million are refugees. This refugee crisis worsens poverty in the country due to limited resource accessibility, challenges in implementing initiatives and overall disorganized communication. In response, organizations are utilizing new technologies to address these issues, providing refugees in South Sudan with the protection and quality of life they deserve through specific communication and health programs.

Biometrics

Fingerprinting, or “biometric registration,” is a widely used tool in refugee camps that provides faster recognition and improved assistance for the most vulnerable individuals. Previously, refugee camps worldwide have included refugees in databases, but now biometric data is being added to these logs in refugee camps in South Sudan. Adding this data enables a more precise allocation of resources and clearer communication regarding individual needs for recovery. Furthermore, the precision allows for follow-ups with particularly vulnerable individuals to ensure ongoing support. This is especially beneficial for the major demographics of the camps, which consist of approximately 70% of women and children who have specific needs, such as pregnant women or malnourished children.

Mapping

In South Sudan, mapping the biometric data in refugee camps has become an imperative initiative to assist refugees. Workers collect the data and place it in an interactive map, enabling easy visualization of the camp demographics and spatial distribution of individuals. This comprehensive view offers deeper insights into individual households, enabling workers to prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable individuals.

Mapping projects are actively aiding health initiatives in refugee camps, particularly in mitigating the spread of disease. These projects enable the identification of outbreak epicenters, allowing for faster and more precise delivery of aid to those in need. As a result, there is an efficient and effective allocation of resources to minimize waste.

Mapping projects actively contribute to the crucial psychological work conducted in refugee camps to ensure that refugees feel respected, understood and dignified. These projects also foster effective communication by directly gathering information from refugees. Additionally, mapping projects enable the accountability of camp overseers, as refugees can openly discuss service adequacy and concerns. Moreover, they highlight the importance of active participation by refugees in South Sudan, allowing them to become empowered and resilient members of society. By collaborating with those experiencing the greatest hardships, their needs can be fully understood and addressed.

Communication

The development of technology in refugee camps in South Sudan has positively impacted communication, fostering connections not only between staff and patrons but also among fellow refugees. Refugee workers have provided cell phones to facilitate easy communication, enabling refugees to access resources, accurate information and individualized assistance. Reports indicate that approximately 91% of refugees in South Sudan now have phone access, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. Specifically, women in these camps have benefited from cell phone access, experiencing improved communication and peer support, leading to increased confidence, empowerment and stronger relationships within the group, as well as with friends, family and the community. This demonstrates the potential of utilizing mobile phones to address health inequities and promote positive psychosocial outcomes within other marginalized refugee communities.

Technology developed to assist refugees in South Sudan plays a vital role in alleviating the crisis. Governments must fund the continuation and duplication of such programs through foreign aid initiatives to ensure that refugees in South Sudan and globally have access to necessary resources and receive the individual assistance they deserve.

– Ada Rose Wagar
Photo: Flickr

6 European Nations Providing Aid to Ukrainian Refugees

Ukrainian Refugees
The 2022 Russian invasion and assault have resulted in the emergence of Ukrainian refugees. The majority have stayed in Europe, with almost every country taking people in. All these individual nations have been different in regard to dealing with Ukrainian refugees. Here is a brief look into what six European countries have done for Ukrainian refugees.

  1. Poland: Poland is the country that has admitted the most refugees, with almost 1.4 million reported, many of them children. In Poland, both the UNICEF and the Japanese government have been assisting Ukrainians. Aid efforts include setting up special schools for refugees. Many Polish people offered their support in the beginning stages. But recently, support has reportedly dwindled. Nevertheless, there are still committed volunteers offering assistance to incoming refugees.
  2. Romania: In terms of Ukrainian refugees’ health, the country that took the initiative was Romania, as some countries had trouble dealing with the medical needs of a large refugee population. The partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Romania led to great results.
  3. Lithuania: The nation of Lithuania had a major refugee population, which it found financially taxing. In earlier crises, the EU had set aside funds to help. In Lithuania, this money has mostly been used up. In addition, Lithuania also expressed interest in helping rebuild Ukraine after the victory. Ukraine is not yet in the EU, so that would need to happen concurrently.
  4. The United Kingdom: The U.K. has been supporting Ukraine since the 2014 crisis. It provided financial support that Russia might have taken, specifically with energy. The aid was planned to end right before the 2022 invasion. With the recent refugee influx, the U.K. government has set up the Ukraine Family Scheme to manage migrants, of which more than 200,000 have applied thus far. The U.K. has used a large part of its aid budget to help refugees. This includes those that have come to Britain and even those that have gone elsewhere.
  5. Germany: Germany is another nation that has taken in a large population of Ukrainian refugees, with more than 1 million intakes thus far. This mirrors its response to recent similar events. Unfortunately, it would seem things have not been going as well this time, with both available support and public opinion down. Despite this, some volunteers are still willing to support refugees, even if it gets risky. According to reports, there is a train that goes directly from war-torn Ukraine to Germany.
  6. Finland: Some European nations, especially smaller ones, worry that they may not be able to support large refugee populations. One example would be the Eastern European country of Estonia. Estonia negotiated with Finland to accept refugees from them. The two nations have around the same amount of refugees coming in. Finland was planning to take in 50-100 refugees a week from Estonia, but around 400-500 new refugees register with the country weekly. 

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges posed by the Ukrainian refugee crisis resulting from the 2022 Russian invasion, several European countries have shown commendable efforts in providing support and assistance. Nations like Poland, Romania, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Germany and Finland have taken various measures to accommodate and aid Ukrainian refugees, including setting up special schools, addressing health care needs and implementing specific schemes. Although some challenges and concerns have emerged, the commitment of volunteers and international collaborations is indicative of the collective commitment to assisting those affected by the conflict.

– Josh Sobchak
Photo: Flickr

,

Addressing the Neglect of Elderly Syrian Refugees’ Health

Elderly Syrian Refugees' Health
More than 5 million Syrian people fled their homes to neighboring countries, such as Lebanon and Jordan, due to mass displacement in the wake of conflict. Many of these refugees are older people with different health issues who seek assistance. Despite the best efforts of the humanitarian response, some elderly Syrian refugees’ health is neglected due to a lack of data, institutional biases and underfunding.

Identifying the Prevalence of Health Issues

As a result of the demands of the current Syrian refugee crisis, Lebanese health and social workers have identified the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among older Syrian refugees, such as diabetes, blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Additionally, psychologists have observed that many people have to confine themselves to homes due to bone and joint complications, leading to social isolation and mental health problems. Elderly Syrian refugees’ health is neglected because of poor hygiene and access to clean water.

This, along with the fact that many people live in small, cold tents with many people living in it, leads to pulmonary complications and skin disorders like scabies. Additionally, lack of food causes malnutrition, which impairs their immune system, making them susceptible to diseases such as flu and diarrhea.

According to a 2014 Handicap International and HelpAge International report, many of their patients with Syrian refugee status suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis. HelpAge International’s Chief Executive Officer, Toby Porter, claims that the lack of psychosocial care for older people negatively impacts their family’s well-being.

Senior Refugees Face a Variety of Problems

In 2021, according to the Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR), primary health care and hospital care were less accessible for households with the lowest expenditures. The study demonstrates that those with the least resources were the least likely to receive the necessary care, likely due to a lack of adequate insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical care. Thus, this highlights the need for greater financial support for medical care so that those with the least resources can still access the care they need.

A 2022 Conflict and Health article suggests that there needs to be more awareness of the needs of older refugees in the aid sector, which focuses mostly on children, women and young adults regarding financial support and medical services. Providing assistance to older refugees should be a priority. Social workers have noted that even though hearing aid and eyeglass campaigns are often conducted, they benefit children and young adults.

According to social workers, donors should prioritize older refugees, allowing them to receive adequate medical care and assistance. A Caritas Lebanon Migrant Centre (CLMC) Board Committee member, Kamal Sioufi, commented: “Older refugees have so many needs, which are not yet a priority for the humanitarian aid actors responding to this crisis.”

Urgent Steps Needed for Improved Care

According to a Handicap International and HelpAge International report, it is also essential to improve the accessibility of health care for people with specific needs. It is crucial that psychological distress services are readily available and tailored to meet the needs of individual clients. The health care staff should have training in diagnosing chronic diseases and receive adequate consultation time. Providing complete information about how to manage patients’ conditions will enable them to help them more effectively. Health care professionals should receive essential psychological distress services as well as training on how to assist elderly individuals.

Since 2013, HelpAge International has been working with older Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Around 2,000 patients have benefited from health consultations, nutrition lessons, cooking classes and social events. Furthermore, HelpAge has trained humanitarian and government workers on older people’s health issues.

Working Together

Organizations like HelpAge International have been providing health consultations, nutrition lessons and training for humanitarian workers to better support the elderly Syrian population. Continued efforts and support can potentially improve their living conditions by providing them with the care and assistance they require.

– Simran Raghav
Photo: Flickr

,

Rebuilding Refugee Identities One Art Project at a Time

Rebuilding Refugee Identities
Art for Refugees in Transition or A.R.T. is an organization that focuses on helping refugees maintain their culture and tradition within their camp community. Each program begins the process of rebuilding refugee identities. The goal of A.R.T. is to help refugee children connect with their elders and find a sense of belonging. In 2003, the first programs launched were in Myanmar and Thailand. The programs have reached camps across South America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Why Do Refugees Need Art?

Outside organizations, like A.R.T., play an important role in giving refugees opportunities to improve their livelihood in a camp. Refugees focus on survival, often losing their sense of identity and belonging. Through art, refugees have an opportunity to remember or connect with their roots.

Violence, economic instability and gang crime plague Venezuela leading many individuals to flee to neighboring Colombia. As of 2022, Colombia was home to 1.8 million Venezuelan refugees. Colombia’s refugee camps or communities do not always have access to services like schools. A.R.T. works to help youth learn about their culture, background and each other.

Art Projects Rebuild Refugee Identities

Venezuelan refugees and displaced individuals live in communities throughout Colombia. Tintalito is a neighborhood in Bogotá, Colombia where A.R.T. began its first program. Tintalito is the home of 180,000 refugees. With the help of the University of the Andes and New Retreat Educational Foundation, A.R.T. implemented a traditional arts program for academic credit. The interdisciplinary program includes anthropology, psychology, literature and fine arts.

A.R.T. works with the Serena del Mar Foundation to bring art to a coastal refugee community in Colombia: Manzanilla. Here, A.R.T. provides a space for the community’s elders to share with the younger generation. The program fosters a community project for many generations. “The elders of the community recorded their thoughts on the sea, its importance in their lives as well as stories, folklore and their history with the sea.” The youth listens to the stories, translating the message into a mural. This art project preserves cultural traditions despite the uncertainty the community experiences. The art projects are also rebuilding refugee identities for both elders and children.

The Impact

Based on data from 2022, around 90,000 Burmese refugees fled Myanmar or Burma to escape persecution. Many of these refugees, primarily of the Karenni ethnic minority, live in temporary shelters throughout the Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand. Like many of the communities A.R.T. took its programs to, Burmese refugees can connect to their homeland and culture through art. A.R.T.’s programs are rebuilding refugee identities by giving them a space to honor their history and fight for the present.

In the Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand, A.R.T. visited two Burmese refugee camps. The initial program that A.R.T. started with the International Rescue Committee was in 2003. Each program starts small, but the idea quickly grows. Burmese youth learned traditional music and dance with their elders. The refugees reconnected with what they lost in fleeing their homes. Currently, the refugees teach these programs on their own. A.R.T. empowered the refugees to keep their traditions alive, passing on strength from generation to generation.

Looking Ahead

Through its programs, A.R.T. has been instrumental in helping refugees maintain their cultural identity and rebuild their sense of belonging. By providing opportunities for artistic expression and intergenerational connections, A.R.T. supports refugees in preserving their traditions and passing them on to future generations. These initiatives have had a profound impact on refugee communities, fostering resilience and empowering individuals to honor their history while embracing their present circumstances.

– Ellie Bruce
Photo: Flickr

How NetHope is Helping to Connect Rohingya Refugees

Rohingya RefugeesAs of 2023, roughly 1.27 million Rohingya people live as refugees or asylum seekers. Around 100,00 live in refugee camps within their native country of Myanmar while 900,000 are in camps in neighboring Bangladesh. Like many living in refugee camps, the quality of life for the Rohingya is extremely poor, with high rates of hunger and dehydration and limited access to health care and electricity. Amid the challenges, one organization, NetHope, continues working toward changing the situation by helping to connect Rohingya refugees to each other and the outside world.

The Current Situation

The Rohingya, an ethnic and religious minority, have long endured oppression in their native land of Myanmar. As early as 1978, the military perpetrated numerous atrocities against the Rohingya, including mass killings and arson, prompting the exodus of 200,000 individuals from the country. In 1982, the government formally revoked the Rohingya’s citizenship, rendering them stateless. In the early 1990s, another wave of Rohingya sought refuge in Bangladesh to escape forced labor and religious persecution.

Living as Muslims in a nation where a majority of the population practices Buddhism, the Rohingya have been victims of anti-Rohingya violence fueled by ultra-religious nationalism. Senior Buddhist monks even participated when the first wave of mass killings of Rohingya began in 2012 following clashes between Muslims and Buddhists.

However, in 2017, the anti-Rohingya violence escalated to a mass scale. Following an attack by a group of Rohingya militants, the government responded with brutal military force targeting the entire Rohingya population. This unleashed a series of mass killings, village burnings, lootings and even sexual violence, widely recognized as genocide. Within three months, these atrocities forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Since then, the refugee population has continued to grow, and the dire situation remains unresolved.

Life in the Camps

The majority of Rohingya continue to reside in refugee camps in Bangladesh, enduring harsh living conditions and poverty. A study published by Burma Human Rights Network in February 2022 revealed that 93% of interviewed Rohingya reported inadequate access to food, while 50% expressed limited access to medical assistance. Furthermore, those interviewed highlighted the prevalence of crime within the camps, including arson, human trafficking and drug abuse.

Adding to their plight, the Bangladeshi government has displayed little to no cooperation and even oppression toward the Rohingya. Some refugees allege that the security forces responsible for safeguarding the camps themselves engage in abuse. Additionally, refugees face restrictions on employment and education outside the camps, as Bangladesh fears it may lead to their permanent settlement.

NetHope Steps In

NetHope, a “consortium of over 60 leading global nonprofits,” is trying to help the Rohingya by bringing them safe and reliable power and internet. The organization’s overall goal, both in this endeavor and in general, is to utilize modern technology to provide innovative solutions to humanitarian and development problems.

Member participants of NetHope have been operating in the Bangladesh/Myanmar region since 2017 to assess the Rohingya situation, formulate solutions and implement change. These participants found that improving internet access to the camps would, “have a deeply beneficial effect on the humanitarian response and can help responding agencies to overcome a number of critical challenges.” This conclusion came about after realizing that better internet access could help in managing the camps, as well as create better communication with NGO agencies and foreign governments.

Fortunately, NetHope and its acting partners have made some headway in achieving some results. In early 2020, workers on the ground constructed “eight wireless base station towers” to support a network for better communication among aid workers.

Looking Ahead

NetHope noted there is still room for much work in the effort to connect Rohingya refugees to the rest of the world. So far, the organization has formulated several possible solutions to building a wider, more accessible internet network inside the camps. However, these would require cooperation from the Bangladeshi government, as well as a stable power supply among other things. But with more diplomatic effort, there is hope for a brighter future for the Rohingya.

– Jonathon Crecelius
Photo: Flickr

,

Substance Abuse Among Refugees

Substance Abuse Among RefugeesRecent studies show that poverty and substance abuse have a strong correlation. Research from 2021 has found that people who experienced poverty during childhood are more likely to develop drug use disorders later in life. The mental health disorders, low self-esteem, stress, hopelessness and lack of access to healthcare that come with poverty also increase the risk of substance abuse.

Refugees and other immigrants are at higher risk for substance abuse due to the poverty they experience, regardless of the region they come from. More than 100 million people worldwide are displaced and 85% live in developing host countries that already struggle with high poverty rates. This reality puts refugees, especially the young, at a greater risk of developing substance use disorders.

Poverty as a Risk Factor

Poverty is one of the greatest risk factors for substance use and addiction. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poverty and belonging to a disadvantaged community make young people more vulnerable to substance abuse and mental health issues. 

Researcher and UNODC adviser Maria Melchior confirms that people’s development of substance use issues and mental health disorders usually begins during childhood, and those from less advantaged backgrounds are at a higher risk. These individuals often struggle with substance use issues throughout parenthood, negatively affecting their children and causing them to develop similar habits.

Substance Use Prevalence

Studies have revealed elevated levels of substance abuse rates among refugees, given the high rates of poverty in refugee groups. A 2021 study on refugee youths in Serbia found that among the respondents, over a quarter regularly smoked tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol and many others tried marijuana, LSD, various forms of cocaine and other substances. The study also found that nearly half of the respondents demonstrated significant difficulties in peer relations and about 30% demonstrated emotional distress and issues of conduct. 

High rates of substance use and addiction can be found among refugees in developed countries as well. Due in large part to abuse, trauma and mental health challenges, many refugees cope by turning to alcohol and/or illicit drugs. For example, in the United States, more than one-third of Burmese refugees were found to have consumed alcohol in hazardous amounts, with similarly high rates among Ugandan and Nepalese male refugees as well.

Similar issues persist in Germany, a country that leads all developed countries in the number of refugees hosted. A study on refugees in Germany found that living conditions for refugees generally were dominant in refugees’ substance use habits and the availability of certain drugs. The data conveys the impression that most refugees who misuse substances live in refugee shelters. Along with living conditions, social relations with peers and families were also identified as important factors.

Prevention and Treatment

Experts have hope for potential solutions to substance abuse among refugee communities. A 2018 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) suggests that community-based, peer-led programs and training healthcare workers in substance use treatment may be effective in low-resource and refugee settings. While more research is needed, similar approaches have proven to be successful in fighting diseases like HIV.

One successful program is Strong Families, which was launched in 2010 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The program aims to support caregivers in becoming better parents and strengthen positive family interactions. It helps families develop communication strategies around the issue of substance abuse to prevent coercive parenting. This approach was initially implemented in four Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and is now being used in 22 countries.

Some of the results from this program have been very promising. For example, a 2020 study found that a Strong Families pilot program implemented in Afghanistan had a 93.1% retention rate and resulted in a 5% increase in the behavioral, emotional and social issues among enrolled children after several weeks. Parents in the program also demonstrated notable improvements in parenting skills.

Looking Ahead

While poverty and substance abuse demonstrate a strong correlation, there is hope for addressing these challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. Research and programs highlight the importance of early intervention and community-based approaches. Initiatives like the Strong Families program provide support to caregivers, empowering them to become better parents and fostering positive family dynamics. These efforts have shown promising results in improving parenting skills and the well-being of enrolled children. By focusing on prevention and treatment, there is potential to break the cycle of poverty and substance abuse, providing a brighter future for individuals and communities worldwide.

– Adam Cvik
Photo: Flickr

,

Addressing the Syrian Refugee Crisis

Syrian Refugee Crisis
More than 10 years of conflict in the Middle Eastern country of Syria has led to the world’s largest refugee crisis. Since the onset of the crisis in March 2011, more than 14 million Syrians have had to flee their home country in hopes of finding refuge elsewhere, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency. Addressing the Syrian refugee crisis is a priority for Syria’s neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations.

Tension at the Border

Syria has approximately a 100-mile-long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, to the south by Jordan and Israel and to the west by Lebanon. Militias, smuggling, the return of refugees and Syria’s 11-year war are the primary issues that the nation’s neighbors, like Jordan, are hoping to resolve for the safety of the region. Jordan has welcomed around 675,000 Syrian refugees since the conflict began but lacks the resources to adequately accommodate this high number of people.

In 2021, the Jordanian government opened a crucial border crossing and now hopes to strike a deal with Syria to declare a general amnesty that will allow Syrian refugees to return to their homeland and live in security and dignity. This will benefit surrounding countries that are struggling to care for refugees and face economic setbacks due to the ongoing war in Syria.

Important Statistics

According to the World Bank, Syria’s GDP decreased by more than half between 2010 and 2020 due to destruction in Damascus, forced relocation, casualties and economic strain — a situation that the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated.

On the other hand, Jordan’s economy is recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, with its real GDP growing by 2.2% in 2021. However, labor force participation, especially among women, is among the lowest in the world and the recent inflation problem has harshly hit already impoverished households.

According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, roughly 92% of refugees who have sought refuge in neighboring countries reside in both urban and rural settings while only about 5% live in refugee camps. However, the U.N. Refugee Agency states that “living outside refugee camps does not necessarily mean success or stability” as “more than 70% of Syrian refugees are living in poverty, with limited access to basic services, education or job opportunities and few prospects of returning home.” These statistics serve as an important reminder that efforts to combat the Syrian refugee crisis are crucial for the Middle East.

Assisting Syrian Refugees

Established in 2011 by two Syrian Americans, Syria Relief and Development (SRD) is a nonprofit organization that offers humanitarian relief to Syrians who have been affected by hunger, injury, poverty, violence and mass displacement. The instability in Syria has prompted an urgent need for resources to meet shelter, food and medical needs. SRD is based in the U.S. but also has offices in Amman, Jordan, and Gaziantep, Turkey. From 2018 until 2023, SRD has provided more than $50 million worth of humanitarian aid to more than 3.3 million Syrians.

The U.N. Refugee Agency, noting that the crisis in Syria has now reached year 13 and the earthquakes occurring in February 2023 have exacerbated the crisis, is providing relief to Syrians in need.  By the end of March 2023, the U.N. Refugee Agency had provided “core relief items,” such as sleeping bags, thermal blankets and solar lamps, to 168,000 Syrians affected by the recent earthquakes. Furthermore, under the Agency’s usual winterization initiative, more than 560,000 Syrians received “winter core relief items” from November 2022 to March 2023. During this period, about 17,700 Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers received cash-based assistance to make it through the harsh winter.

With continued support from Syria’s neighbors as well as organizations like the SRD and the U.N. Refugee Agency, there could be visible regional economic and social shifts in the near future and the Syrian refugee crisis may see relief.

– Stella Tirone
Photo: Flickr

, , ,

Women’s Empowerment in Kakuma Refugee Camp

Women’s Empowerment in Kakuma Refugee CampThe Kakuma Refugee Camp, located in Kenya, was originally established for young children who escaped war in Sudan and Ethiopia. Today, the camp is home to about 200,000 people and facilitates access to education, health care and housing. The efforts of organizations enable and empower women in the camp to learn skills and secure income-generating activities. The women in the camp are pushing against stereotypical gender norms while working to support their families. Their stories and success are a reflection of the progress toward women’s empowerment in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

Breaking Stereotypes

CARE tells the story of Jackiline Amina who has lived in the Kakuma Refugee camp since she fled her home in Tanzania and sought refuge in Kenya in 2013. Amina now works as an auto mechanic in the camp. Before she became an auto mechanic, she would work small jobs, including providing laundry services to other refugees and fetching water for people in the camp, to make ends meet. After the father of her youngest child left the family, Amina had to find a sustainable and profitable job to enable her to care for her children. To achieve this, she knew she had to learn a new skill.

Prior to becoming an auto mechanic, Amina tried her hands at welding but did not make much progress as the men in the trade refused to train her, saying “the work was not appropriate for women,” according to the CARE website. Eventually, she got in touch with the owner of a small garage that agreed to train her as a mechanic.

In Amina’s current line of work, she regularly faces gender discrimination and many males undermine a female’s ability to be a competent mechanic. Her fellow male auto mechanics, however, have accepted her into the auto mechanic community and treat her “like one of the guys.” Amina has aspirations of enrolling in an official training program or mechanics school so she can secure higher-paying jobs in the future.

Entering a Male-Dominated Field

In another CARE story, Lucy Nyanga Joseph left Sudan in 2019 and joined her sister, nieces and nephews at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. In 2022, she learned of an opportunity to become a solar engineer in the camp. She was one of three women who enrolled in the program and the only woman to begin working after completion.

Despite many people saying her career path is ill-suited for women, she has gone on to inspire 20 of her friends in the camp to enroll in training for traditionally male-dominated fields. Before becoming a solar technician, Joseph relied on aid from the U.N. Refugee Agency, receiving a total of $11.75 per month. This was barely enough to afford the quality of care she desired for her children. Her new job, however, enables her to provide better for her children.

Stepping out of Gender Roles

In 2019, U.N. Women told the story of Nyamam Gai Gatluak. At the time, Gatluak was a student of the Angelina Jolie Primary School in Kakuma Refugee Camp and a member of the IT club that has participated in several events aiming to empower girl children. She is one of 60 girls who received a place in the boarding school out of nearly 500 who applied. Gatluak has aspirations of becoming a software engineer as a result of the school and IT club empowering women within the refugee community.

She and other young women still face great challenges in pursuing education and career paths. In some cases, these women are not even able to attend school. Even for those who are able to attend, gender-prescribed household duties often prevent girls from fully concentrating on their studies. Typically, household and caretaking responsibilities do not affect young men as society considers this a female role.

Despite the challenges, Gatluak aspires to develop an app that can teach young girls, including those in refugee camps around the world, how to code. She also dreams of developing another app that teaches parents and young women their rights in different local languages. Gatluak understands that many parents and young girls do not know their rights and, as a result, are taken advantage of — a problem that Gatluak aims to alleviate.

Women Empowerment in Kenya (WEIKE)

Women Empowerment in Kenya (WEIKE) is a nonprofit in Kenya that helps vulnerable young women access education and funding to secure a better future for their families. Founded in 2017, WEIKE runs several women’s empowerment initiatives, including a soap-making project, economic education for women and agriculture projects. About 20 women participate in the soap-making project, producing multi-purpose soap for their personal use and selling the rest to bring in an income.

Looking Ahead

Organizations like WEIKE contribute to women’s empowerment, education and economic security in Kenya. Women’s empowerment in the Kakuma Refugee Camp enables them to work toward educating themselves, learning new skills and obtaining high-paying, in-demand jobs to support themselves and their families. The efforts in the camp and results so far help to pave the path to a future of freedom, equity and equality for the next generation of women.

– Ronni Winter
Photo: Flickr

Fishermen to the Rescue: Refugees in Indonesia

Indonesian FarmersIndonesia is estimated to currently host 9,991 refugees and 3,158 asylum seekers, with 57% from Afghanistan, 10% from Somalia and 5% from Myanmar. During 2022 alone, more than 2,000 people are thought to have taken the dangerous journey across the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the hope of reaching Indonesia. In 2022, almost 200 individuals reportedly died on this journey. But despite this tragedy, there is an underlying story of hope and humanity from the people of Indonesia. A report from the United Nations showed that in the last six weeks of 2022 alone, Indonesians helped save 472 people from four boats.

In a collaborative effort between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Indonesian Government, other U.N. agencies and local people, the country has attempted to protect refugees and asylum seekers by identifying solutions for their situation. This has included provisions for emergency assistance and attention to the specific needs of individuals arriving on their shores.

Rohingya Refugees in Indonesia

A huge proportion of those refugees reaching Indonesia are Rohingya men, women and children. In 2017, nearly 800,000 Rohingya fled persecution from their homeland of Myanmar, where they experienced segregation, discrimination and removal of their citizenship. Since then, thousands of refugees make the perilous journey to reach Muslim-majority regions like Malaysia, Bangladesh and Indonesia. While residing in these Bangladeshi refugee camps, the Rohingya face overcrowded, unsanitary and crime-ridden conditions, which is resulting in greater numbers taking the extremely dangerous trip across the sea, where the likelihood of death increases.

Since November 2022, there were 918 Rohingya refugees registered in Indonesia, in comparison to 180 in the entirety of 2021. In a case from December 2022, over 180 Rohingya refugees arrived in a wooden boat on the shore of western Indonesia, supposedly from Bangladesh, including a pregnant woman and children. These journeys are made in poor-quality boats and often increase between November and April when the seas are supposedly calmer. The UNHCR described 2022 as “one of the deadliest years at sea in almost a decade for the Rohingya” which is predicted to continue into 2023.

Generosity of Indonesian Fishermen

Despite the increasing numbers of refugees making this journey, there is an underlying story of hope and kindness in the actions of some Indonesian fishermen. At the end of 2022, Indonesian fishing crews were praised for their part in rescuing over 200 people adrift at sea, in what has since been described by the UNHCR as an “act of humanity.” In doing so, they have provided urgent medical care for survivors suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. The compassion of these Indonesian fishermen has, according to UNHCR Indonesia Representative Ann Maymann, undoubtedly helped to save people from “certain death, ending [the] torturous ordeals for many desperate people.”

In a case from late June 2020, 99 Rohingya asylum seekers arrived on the shore of Aceh after being stranded at sea for more than 120 days, and local fishermen from nearby villages were quick to help them to safety. The Rohingya have been welcomed by the Indonesian people, even being invited to participate in festivities celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indonesian independence.

There have been numerous explanations as to why the people of Indonesia, particularly the Acehnese residents, have demonstrated such acceptance and humility toward those in need, when so many others have refused to act. For example, the Acehnese people abide by the customary maritime law called Panglima Laot, which obliges all fishermen in the region to help those in distress at sea. This is a central part of village life in coastal communities across Indonesia. Similarly, they honor the cultural tradition of Peumulia Jamee, which encourages them to demonstrate kindness and hospitality, particularly towards children.

Supporting the Humanitarian Effort

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has supported the Indonesian Government along with their humanitarian partners, by aiding the huge numbers of Rohingya refugees arriving on the coast. This includes provisions for water, health care and COVID-19 testing. Moreover, the IOM has worked with local authorities to obtain approval to transfer refugees to a new site in Peunteut, Lhokseumawe, which will greatly improve safety and security. The assistance provided by the IOM to the Rohingya refugees is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

Steps are being taken to help the Indonesian people assist those arriving on their shores, but it is indicative of a much larger problem. Nevertheless, Indonesian fishermen are aiding refugees by showing kindness.

– Bethan Marsden
Photo: Flickr