Even after four years of field missions with Refugees International, I had never seen anything like it. Around midday, we were driving high along the hills of the northern coast of the Greek island Lesvos, with the Turkish mainland in the foreground. As we descended closer the shoreline, our interpreter pointed out little black specs, tinged…
One Syrian Passport
Last week’s events in Paris prompted, predictably, an immediate backlash regarding the resettlement of Syrian refugees, both in the United States and Europe. The should-we-or-shouldn’t-we question that has been a steady topic of debate among politicians, policymakers, and advocates for the past several years has taken a firm turn toward we shouldn’t after a Syrian…
On the ground in Greece
I’ve just arrived in Greece to assess the situation for newly arriving refugees on the country’s outer islands. In a global context of increasingly harsh rhetoric that conflates refugees with security threats, we plan to gather first-hand stories from Syrian’s fleeing the ongoing and devastating war in Syria that has displaced a staggering 12 million…
Refugees Must Not be Defamed
In the aftermath of last week’s tragic events in France, Lebanon, and Sinai, Refugees International extends its deepest condolences to all who have suffered unimaginable loss due to the hateful, egregious acts of terrorists claiming affiliation to ISIS. We join them in mourning their loved ones and wish them peace and solace during this difficult…
Displaced in Iraq: Little Aid and Few Options
Internal displacement in Iraq is getting worse.
Displaced in Iraq: Little Aid and Few Options
Iraq has been the site of significant internal displacement for well over a decade. However, this displacement has increased dramatically over the last two years as the security situation in central and south Iraq has deteriorated. Today, there are 3.2 million internally displaced people in Iraq.
Zaatari: a Camp and not a City
Just over three years ago, the Zaatari refugee camp was established to accommodate the growing number of Syrian refugees who were fleeing to the neighbouring country of Jordan. Located around 70 kilometres from the capital city of Amman and 30 kilometres from the Syrian border, Zaatari occupies a space of some seven square kilometres and…
U.S. Role and Strategy in the Middle East: The Humanitarian Crisis
Refugees International’s Michel Gabaudan testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on the U.S. role and strategy in the Middle East.
A Letter from RI’s President on the Syrian Refugee Crisis
This week, you have likely seen the heartbreaking photos of Syrian refugees fleeing tragic circumstances. The images serve as a stark reminder of why we do the work that we do.
Iraq’s Invisible IDPs
Over the course of the past decade, millions of Iraqis have been forced to flee their homes. Prior to 2014, approximately one million Iraqis were internally displaced, mostly due to the sectarian conflict of 2006 – 2008. Since January 2014, millions more have been uprooted by government-militant violence and the advance of the group known…