As LGBTQ+ people are on the move, trans women experience violence and discrimination at staggeringly higher rates than other queer groups.
At the Olympics, Let ‘Refugee Athletes’ Be ‘Athletes’
The well-intentioned creation of the “Refugee Olympic Team” may unintentionally reinforce the notion that refugees are “the other.” While it promotes inclusion, it could also perpetuate an idea that refugees are beyond the bounds of “normal” citizens and states.
Unaccompanied Children Seeking Asylum Are ‘Life’s Greatest Teachers’, says Counselor Selma Yznaga (Copy)
Dr. Selma Yznaga has worked for almost thirty years as a mental health professional and volunteered as an advocate for unaccompanied minors in Brownsville, Texas. From her decades of work, she knows one thing to be true: “These kids are strong.” It takes monumental will, emotional resources, and resilience to flee and survive the journey…
Meet Chekufara, a Rohingya Refugee and Women’s Rights Advocate
Founder of the Rohingya Women’s Empowerment and Advocacy Network and Rohingya refugee living in Bangladesh. Meet Chekufara.
Meet Abdi Iftin, a Somali Author and Former Refugee Who Now Calls Maine Home
Somali author and former refugee who now calls Maine home. Meet Abdi Iftin.
Meet Mariela Shaker, Syrian Violinist, Professor, and Refugee
Syrian violinist, professor, and refugee. Meet Mariela Shaker.
Two Months Since Hurricane Maria, Terrible Suffering Continues in Puerto Rico
In short, two months after Hurricane Maria pummeled this island, the U.S. response remains too slow and bureaucratic, and lacks transparency and the broad information-sharing that is essential to an effective disaster response.
The Horror in Syria Continues
In October, a Refugees International (RI) colleague and I traveled to Turkey to revisit the issue of work permits and livelihood access for the 3.5 million refugees now living there – 3.2 million of whom are Syrians. As in previous missions, we interviewed Syrian refugees who had recently fled their war-torn homeland.
Turkey’s Forgotten Refugees
Turkey faces a long list of challenges that come with hosting 3.5 million refugees, the highest number for any refugee-hosting country, but the Turkish authorities and international and humanitarian actors should not treat people differently based on the country from which they fled.
U.S. Leads International Disaster Assistance Abroad, So Why are We Failing at Home?
For the first time in its 38 year history, Refugees International (RI) is conducting a mission to the United States. Over the next week, my colleagues and I will be in Puerto Rico where eight weeks after Hurricane Maria made a direct hit, urgent humanitarian needs remain unmet.