Time for Khartoum to Recount the Cost of War
By Michael Boyce Wed, 06/27/2012 - 14:33The protest movement that is now surging through Sudan has been building gradually for months. In the last two weeks, however, public outrage against the government has boiled over – not only in Khartoum, but in other major cities as well.
Syrian Refugees: What They Left Behind
By Michael Boyce Fri, 06/22/2012 - 15:25When you meet a refugee for the first time, it can be difficult to maintain perspective. You are struck immediately by their vulnerability - so much so that you can easily forget they weren’t always this way; that displacement robbed them of the normal existence they once enjoyed.
Bangladesh Breaks the Law by Turning Back Rohingya
By Melanie Teff Thu, 06/21/2012 - 13:44One of the most persecuted groups in the world is now facing more violence and suffering, yet help is being denied them.
In recent weeks, Bangladesh has turned back more than 2,000 people seeking refuge from communal violence in Burma’s Rakhine State. These refugees were fleeing targeted attacks on the Muslim Rohingya community, and refusing them entry puts Bangladesh in violation of international law.
Rio+20: Connecting the Dots Between Disasters and Displacement
By Davina Wadley Wed, 06/20/2012 - 16:29Today, world leaders are gathering in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD). They will be joined by participants from the private sector, governments, non-governmental organizations, and other interested groups.
Israel's Deportation of "South Sudanese" Worrying
By Sarnata Reynolds Wed, 06/13/2012 - 16:54
Having just returned from the new nation of South Sudan where I assessed the risk of statelessness, I am very worried about Israel's decision to arrest, jail, and deport all 1500 of that country’s "South Sudanese."
There's No Such Thing as a "Climate Refugee"
By Davina Wadley Fri, 06/08/2012 - 10:07
Earlier this week, I joined members of the DC chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and a group of climate-conscious Washingtonians at the DC venue Bloombars to view Michael Nash’s film Climate Refugees and discuss our impressions of the film.
The discussion kicked off with my biggest criticism of the film – its title.
The discussion kicked off with my biggest criticism of the film – its title.
As Syria Burns, U.S. Ally Feels the Heat
By Michael Boyce Thu, 06/07/2012 - 11:48
This post originally appeared on The Hill Congress Blog.
The people of Jordan have borne the Syrian refugee crisis with real grace - and even, perhaps, a bit of pride. “The Syrians are our brothers,” they say when asked about the thousands of Syrians who have fled here. (No one knows how many there really are.) “They speak the same way as us, they have the same last names. We cannot turn them away.”
The people of Jordan have borne the Syrian refugee crisis with real grace - and even, perhaps, a bit of pride. “The Syrians are our brothers,” they say when asked about the thousands of Syrians who have fled here. (No one knows how many there really are.) “They speak the same way as us, they have the same last names. We cannot turn them away.”
Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Escape Violence, But Hardship Continues
By Daryl Grisgraber Tue, 06/05/2012 - 14:34
This blog originally appeared on The Hill's Congress Blog.
In central Lebanon’s Beqa’a Valley, there is a series of border villages that are hosting ever-larger numbers of refugees from the conflict inside of Syria.
In central Lebanon’s Beqa’a Valley, there is a series of border villages that are hosting ever-larger numbers of refugees from the conflict inside of Syria.
A Few Miles From Houla, a Massacre Hits Home
By Michael Boyce Fri, 06/01/2012 - 12:24
This blog originally appeared on The Hill's Congress Blog.
Pulling into the Lebanese Army checkpoint at Wadi Khaled, bustling Beirut seemed a world away. Thick gray clouds hugged the mountainside, and a fierce wind whipped across the roadway. A text message on one of our cell phones welcomed us to Syria - an indication of just how close we were to that war-torn country.
Pulling into the Lebanese Army checkpoint at Wadi Khaled, bustling Beirut seemed a world away. Thick gray clouds hugged the mountainside, and a fierce wind whipped across the roadway. A text message on one of our cell phones welcomed us to Syria - an indication of just how close we were to that war-torn country.
