Tag Archive for: Refugees

Posts

, ,

The African Nation Leading the World: Uganda’s Refugees

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

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

Support Available to Uganda’s Refugees

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

The Future of Uganda’s Refugees

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Lysia Wright

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Working with Refugee Resettlement Sites

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

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

Refugee Resettlement Camps

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

Working with Refugees

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

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

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

The Reality of Refugee Resettlement

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

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

Looking Forward

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

– Olivia Peters

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Social Remittances to Ukraine: Exchanging Ideas Across Borders

Social Remittances to UkraineThe story of Ukrainian refugees shows how migration can generate not just financial assistance, but also the transfer of ideas, skills and civic values. These “social remittances” can help Ukraine recover from war, resist aggression and build an economy less vulnerable to poverty.

Remittances, sums of money sent to another place, are often a way for migrants to continue relationships while abroad, a method for supporting their communities from a distance. Beyond financial remittances, some Ukrainian refugees have found another way to support their nation, planning to bring social remittances to Ukraine home with them. These ideas, skills and values can strengthen democratic institutions and create economic opportunity.

Poverty in Ukraine & Financial Remittances

According to the Economic Commission for Europe, poverty rates in Ukraine decreased by an estimated 30.5% from 2016-2021. In 2021, the estimated rate of people below the Ukrainian subsistence minimum (the minimum income required to cover basic living expenses) was 20.6%. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, the poverty rate has been on the rise. While there is a lack of data for 2022, the following year’s (2023) poverty rate in Ukraine was 35.5%, having increased 14.9% in just two years.

The Ukrainian National News reports that in 2024, remittances to Ukraine reached $9.6 billion. The report shares that, according to the National Bank of Ukraine, the top sources for these funds were the U.S., Israel and Germany.

Refugee Relocation

The Council on Foreign Relations estimates that since the Russian invasion, 2.9 million Ukrainians have fled to the Eastern border, entering Russia. Another 1.6 million refugees escaped to Poland, where they joined the 1.3 million Ukrainians that already migrated there. The remaining refugees headed to the Czech Republic, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and other European nations.

Social/Intangible Remittances

As Silke Meyer, a professor of European Ethnology at the University of Innsbruck, shared,  remittances can extend beyond financial support. Migrants may also send back social capital, networks, knowledge and community norms.

Sociologist P. Levitt describes these as “social remittances,” ways of thinking and living that migrants transfer back to their home. Later research by Grabowska, professor of Social Sciences and Economics at Kozminski University, explains that the concept expanded into “intangible remittances,” encompassing professional and educational practices, attitudes towards mental health, disability, gender roles and political participation. Such exchanges are quietly political and can lay the groundwork for reducing poverty.

The Ukrainian context stands apart because the Russian invasion has forced millions to flee. In this setting, intangible remittances often “emerge[d] as urgent responses to national crisis, moral obligation, or collective recovery,” according to Grabowska. For the women in her study, displacement deepened their attachment to Ukraine. Their intent to bring home what they have learned reflects a will to see Ukraine become stronger, self-reliant and economically resilient.

Migrant Focus on Ukraine

One study participant noted that a work culture fostering development “is something that could benefit [the Ukrainian] workforce back home.” Another expressed a wish to see the hands-on learning and critical thinking she encountered abroad implemented in Ukrainian schools. Others spoke of professional flexibility, cross-cultural respect and greater inclusion for people with disabilities, values that also support long-term poverty reduction.

Grabowska’s work also explores the cumulative advantage effect, a theory explaining how people with more initial resources – money, education or recognition – tend to expand those advantages more quickly. Ukrainian refugees with these resources were better positioned to gather skills and networks abroad, which they then return as powerful remittances to Ukraine.

Unique Predictors

Beyond material resources, “higher civic engagement attitudes and autonomous reflexivity” were strong predictors of which refugees would benefit most from the cumulative advantage effect. War migrants who had a history of community activism and independent decision-making were “more than twice as likely” to gain advantages that could be sent back home. This points to social remittances as not just cultural or personal contributions, but explicitly civic and political, with the potential to influence economic growth and help address poverty in post-war Ukraine.

Future Remittances

The invasion forced Ukrainians into survival-based emigration, but it also created space to imagine a different future for the country. Some refugees plan to return permanently; others foresee a transnational lifestyle or contribution from afar. The only constants throughout the female war migrants’ interviews is their “emotional and symbolic ties to Ukraine” and “desire to contribute to its recovery.” Such commitments to restore and strengthen democratic, inclusive and resilient institutions are inherently political acts of resistance to attempts of domination and can lay the groundwork for reducing poverty by creating more equitable opportunities for all Ukrainians.

Benefits of Remittances

Ukraine is not the sole beneficiary of these contributions. The refugees see themselves as global citizens, fostering cooperation between Ukraine and their countries of residence. In sending back social remittances to Ukraine, they not only help their nation resist aggression but also share ideas that can strengthen anti-poverty efforts both locally and globally.

Whether through peacebuilding, civic participation or inclusive social practices, Ukrainian refugees are shaping conversations about the kind of world they, and their homeland, want to live in, one where the roots of poverty are addressed alongside the wounds of war. 

– Alyse Rhee

Alyse is based in Winter Garden, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Addressing Hunger and Trauma Among Rohingya Children

Hunger and Trauma Among Rohingya ChildrenIn the world’s largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, the crisis impacting the Rohingya children is double-edged: widespread hunger and deep psychological trauma. The good news is that proven, scalable solutions range from community-run nutrition services to play-based mental health support. With sustained funding, addressing hunger and trauma among Rohingya children is not a slogan; it’s an achievable goal.

Keeping Children Alive With Integrated Nutrition Services

UNICEF and its partners operate Integrated Nutrition Facilities within the camps. There, children below the age of 5 are routinely weighed and measured, screened with MUAC colour tapes and put on treatment plans. In 2021, these facilities treated 6,923 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The organization exceeded its annual target, providing ready-to-use therapeutic food, deworming treatments and follow-up care. It also offered counseling for parents on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, reaching 14,000 pregnant and lactating mothers with infant and young child feeding support. Indeed, these cost-effective, life-saving services are making a real difference.

Restoring Food Rations and Protecting Nutrition Budgets

When rations are cut, hunger spikes quickly. New International Rescue Committee (IRC) data reveal that between 2022 and 2023, the number of Rohingya refugees without adequate food jumped from 44% to 70%. Nearly half of young children displayed physical signs of malnutrition and fewer than one in six children ate three meals daily.

Restoring rations to prior levels and ensuring predictable funding would immediately blunt wasting and protect child development, whilst addressing hunger and trauma among Rohingya children.

Healing in Crisis

A large randomized controlled trial tested BRAC’s Home-Based Humanitarian Play Lab (HPL), which offered weekly peer-led sessions for Rohingya mothers and children under 2. The program significantly improved mothers’ mental well-being. It enhanced children’s developmental outcomes through simple, low-cost activities led by trained Rohingya “Mother Volunteers.” In settings where specialist care is scarce, HPL provides a practical, scalable way to deliver psychosocial support.

Similarly, BRAC’s broader Humanitarian Play Lab approach is home-based for ages 0–3 and centre-based for ages 3–5. It creates safe, culturally rooted spaces where trained Rohingya Play Leaders guide activities. These activities build language, problem-solving skills and resilience. Furthermore, evaluations in Cox’s Bazar show gains in children’s development and improvements in maternal mental health. The model is now being adapted to other countries, offering the kind of community-powered intervention donors can scale.

Furthermore, child-friendly spaces run with UNICEF support give children predictable routines to play, learn and feel safe. This is critical in protecting them from toxic stress. These hubs are also entry points for early learning, protection, nutrition and health services referrals.

Nutrition + Mental Health = Better Outcomes

None of these solutions works in isolation. In December 2021, UNICEF Bangladesh reported that one-third of Rohingya children under 5 were stunted due to poor diets and repeated illness. Combining nutrition services with caregiver counseling and play-based psychosocial support multiplies impact, helping children recover physically while stimulating their brains for long-term learning and well-being. Trained Rohingya community members are already delivering this integrated package.

– Arabella D’Aniello

Arabella is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Reducing Poverty in Ukraine: From Nonprofits to IKEA

Poverty in UkraineWith ongoing humanitarian threats and a national focus redirected toward wartime efforts following Russia’s illegal 2022 invasion, Ukraine is experiencing a rise in poverty.

Poverty in Ukraine

Despite recent negative trends, Ukraine’s national poverty decreased from 2016 through 2021, with poverty levels of 51.1% declining to 20.6%, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. With the help of sustained economic growth, increased income, improvements in the labor market and government policies, Ukraine ensured a reduction in poverty.

Once the war began in 2022, government policies and initiatives, including the Household Budget Surveys (HBS), were canceled because of disruptions and the need to consolidate funds. According to the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the government implemented a program to modernize state statistical methods and initiatives, including the HBS, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through 2030.

With these and other poverty-reducing policies now on hold, continued international support and donations are imperative to help reduce poverty in Ukraine.

National Organizations Supplying Donations

  1. Razom for Ukraine. This is a nonprofit that uses international donations to reduce poverty in Ukraine and support those affected by the war. Its goals include delivering supplies to medics and civilians and promoting education and advocacy to build public support for international policies backing Ukraine. Donations have provided hygiene and first aid kits for families in war-devastated areas, supplies for field medics and repair kits for damaged homes. According to Razom for Ukraine, these items, together with broader support programs, help communities facing violence hold onto hope for a future with reduced poverty and recovery from the impact of Russia’s invasion. Razom for Ukraine partners with other nonprofits and organizations to deliver humanitarian aid across multiple sectors. One example is its collaboration with Building Ukraine Together, highlighted by CEO Dora Chomiak in an interview with Columbia University’s “Journal of International Affairs.” This partnership helps physically and figuratively rebuild households so Ukrainians can improve living conditions despite large-scale destruction. Through international donations, Razom for Ukraine reduces poverty by strengthening communities and expanding access to jobs and education.
  2. Nova Ukraine. Another nonprofit that sends international donations to reduce poverty in Ukraine and improve Ukrainians’ well-being is Nova Ukraine. Nova Ukraine shares similar goals with Razom for Ukraine, focusing on humanitarian aid and raising awareness. Its volunteers work on supplying resources and aid, running outreach programs and supporting refugee initiatives, with some volunteers based in Ukraine.Like Razom for Ukraine, Nova Ukraine partners with other organizations to extend aid to those in need. One such partnership is with UNICEF USA, which focuses on supporting children and families in Ukraine. Helping families directly and supporting children from devastated communities enables current and future generations to persevere. This creates stronger ties and a unified front in rebuilding Ukraine during and after the war.

IKEA’s Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine

IKEA, a Swedish furniture and home goods company, has taken steps, along with partners, to address the humanitarian issues that arise from the war. After Russia’s initial invasion in 2022, IKEA halted exports and imports to Russia and Belarus. Additionally, IKEA and its partners have donated millions of dollars to aid organizations, hoping to support services and individuals in Ukraine impacted by the war.

These donations also support medical organizations and allow medics and doctors in Ukraine to receive modern equipment, improving the country’s medical system. These supplies benefit civilians, enlisted military and members of international aid organizations near and at the frontlines, maintaining direct humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

Within IKEA, the Ingka Group, a retail partner, donated furniture, toys and other goods for displaced families and Ukrainians fleeing the nation at the start of the war. The donations were crucial for supplying UNICEF with the necessities of housing and caring for individuals and added humane relief for children. IKEA and its partners help reduce poverty in Ukraine by supporting organizations that assist refugees while creating and preserving jobs and livelihoods for Ukrainians in need.

– Avery Kachmarsky

Avery is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Action Emploi Réfugiés Addressing Immigrant Poverty

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

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

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

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

The French Refugee Council

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

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

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

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

Action Emploi Réfugiés

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

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

Conclusion

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

– Jack Schuchard

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

How NGOs Are Saving Refugee Education in Lebanon

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

A Struggling System

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

Grassroots Innovation: What NGOs Are Doing

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Riddhi Sharma

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

Photo: Flickr

,

Forced Migration is Driving Poverty Among Russian Refugees

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

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

Life Before and the Urgency to Leave

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

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

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

Poverty in Disguise: Starting Over with Nothing

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

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

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

Gaps in Support for the Russian Refugees

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

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

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

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

Migration and Poverty: An Inseparable Link

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

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

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

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

– Polina Makarova

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Syrian Women in Jordan Redefining Advocacy

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

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

Building Women-Led Governance Structures

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

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

Economic Empowerment Through Skills and Solidarity

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

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

Educating the Next Generation

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

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

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

Lighting the Way Forward

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

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

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

– Emilia Bartle

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Migration to Thailand: The New Land of Opportunity

Migration to ThailandThailand is a popular subject on the topic of migration. The Southeast Asian country is beloved for its tropical climate, scenic beauty and historical sites. However, its beauty is not the sole reason for increased migration to Thailand.

Migration is an umbrella term involving the movement of people from one place to another, whether temporarily or permanently. Immigration, a sub-branch of migration, refers to people moving to a new country and settling there either semi-permanently or permanently. Both migration and immigration have increased in Thailand in recent years. Here are three reasons why people migrate to Thailand.

3 Reasons Why People Migrate to Thailand

  1. Economic Opportunities: Thailand has a moderately stable economy which is favorable to workers in neighboring countries. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Thailand’s “sectors such as fishing, agriculture, hospitality, domestic work and manufacturing are heavily reliant on migrant workers for manpower.” The majority of workers migrating to Thailand are from Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Myanmar seeking better opportunities and higher wages than their respective countries.
  2. Refugee Migration: According to the 2024 Migration Report from the United Nations Thailand, “Thailand hosts at least 5.3 million non-Thai nationals, marking an 8 per cent increase compared to nearly 4.9 million” in the previous report. This sharp increase is due in part to intensifying conflict in Myanmar. Since 2019, Myanmar migrant populations in Thailand have doubled to 1.8 million, with an estimated 150,000 living in refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border. In response, the National Screening Mechanism (NSM) launched in 2023 to assist migrants in applying for “protected person” legal status to prevent deportation.
  3. Reduced Cost of Living: Western Expats from Europe and the United States have identified Thailand as a popular residential destination to escape high costs of living. From health care to groceries to living expenses, Thailand offers around a 50% reduction in average cost. With the popularization of the “Digital Nomad Visa” and other offerings, immigrants are able to enjoy reduced cost of living and increased financial flexibility, while contributing to Thailand’s economy.

Impacts of Migration to Thailand

Migration has a profound effect on Thailand’s economy. According to a report from the International Labor Organization (ILO), immigrant workers contribute to virtually all sectors and are “associated with an improvement of labor market outcomes of the native-born population.” Because a large percentage of this population has employment, the report estimates that income per capita will rise significantly. Of course, migrants and low-income, rural Thai residents still face hardships.

In a 2022 report, the World Bank noted that Thailand made “remarkable progress in reducing poverty from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020.” However, as that progress has slowed, large gaps in wealth equality are revealed, leaving nearly 80% of the poor population in rural areas earning an income that is only 68% of their urban counterparts. This income inequality disproportionately affects the recent and ongoing influx of migrants who take on roles involving fishing and agriculture.

Additionally, there is research that suggests a link between migration to Thailand and public health. In a research paper that BMC Public Health published, migrants “may impact public health by transmitting communicable diseases to the local population.” This impact depends on the type of disease in question. Yet, while a rise in migration is associated with more cases of respiratory and other infectious illnesses, it is also linked to a decline in diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. While health care in Thailand is free to all, regardless of legal status, NGOs have been crucial for migrant groups to secure equal access to health care. According to interviews that Human Rights Watch conducted, the Mae Tao Clinic is a hotspot for Myanmar nationals that offers primary care services to undocumented migrants.

Looking Ahead

Overall, migration to Thailand offers valuable and significant benefits to the growth and development of the country, and in return, migrants enjoy the benefits of improved economic conditions, refugee support and a manageable cost of living. Thailand’s approach to migration is unique and serves as an example to the world of how opening one’s border can lead to unexpected positive outcomes that challenge conventional views on migration.

– Jamaya Newton

Jamaya is based in Somerset, NJ, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash