In-depth: Solutions — Refugees Deeply

In-depth

Solutions

Exploring potential solutions to issues affecting refugees and migrants around the world

Economy
Integration
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

The Jordan Compact Would Work Better If We Listened to Refugees

Laura Buffoni Senior Livelihoods Officer - UNHCR

Syrian refugees in Jordan have talked about their fears and challenges, views and culture, since their arrival. But have we been listening? Laura Buffoni of the U.N. refugee agency reflects on why the Jordan Compact is failing women and urges better-designed policies.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Solutions
Community
Q&A

How Photographing Lost Objects Revealed Another Lens on Migration

When Sicilian photographer Mario Badagliacca grew tired of ‘overexposing’ migrants arriving by sea, he searched for another way to document their experiences – through their lost belongings. We speak with Badagliacca about ‘picturing refugees.’about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

More Than Outrage, We Need to Face Hard Lessons on Migration

Marta Foresti

Public outcry over U.S. and European policies towards migrants is not enough, nor are idealistic solutions; instead we need politically viable policy alternatives, argues Marta Foresti of the Overseas Development Institute.about 2 years ago

Economy
Innovation & Technology
Integration
Solutions
Articles
General

How Grocers in Denmark Became the Key to Refugee Integration

Rural stores in Denmark contain vital lessons for making asylum centers work. Researchers Zachary Whyte, Birgitte Romme Larsen and Mona Schaldemose uncover a quiet success story.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Education
Integration
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Why Comics Are So Effective at Telling Refugees’ Stories

Poppy Ogier Research and Communications Officer, PositiveNegatives

Our series Picturing Refugees continues with Poppy Ogier from PositiveNegatives explaining the power of illustrative storytelling and why it works in depicting human stories of refuge and migration.about 2 years ago

Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Nothing About Us Without Us: Why Refugee Inclusion Is Long Overdue

Sana Mustafa Founder of Sana Mustafa Consulting

We don’t accept all-male panels on women’s issues, so why do we still discuss refugee policy without refugees, asks entrepreneur Sana Mustafa. Beyond tokenistic inclusion of refugee stories, she argues that meaningful participation requires major institutional shifts.about 2 years ago

Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

How the Media Can Better Listen to Refugees

Francesca Fionda Investigative Journalist and Data Reporter, The Discourse

Alia Dharssi Researcher and Journalist

Refugees in Canada talked to journalism company The Discourse about how to improve media coverage of refugee issues. They share the top takeaways for refugees preparing to speak to the media and for journalists seeking to provide better coverage of displacement.about 2 years ago

Economy
Integration
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Why Hiring Refugees Is Good for Business

David Dyssegaard Kallick Deputy Director, Fiscal Policy Institute

Cyierra Roldan Policy Analyst, Fiscal Policy Institute

Companies that hire and successfully integrate refugees into their workforce reap the benefits of high retention rates, better management skills and a wider potential labor pool, say the authors of new study of U.S. employers.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Deeply Talks

Deeply Talks: Europe’s Migration Laboratory

In the latest Deeply Talk, we discussed the findings of our Niger investigation and whether they resonate with policymakers. Elizabeth Collett, head of the Migration Policy Institute Europe explained the view from Brussels, while Bram Frouws from the Mixed Migration Center talked about how smugglers and routes are adapting.about 2 years ago

Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Q&A

How Cities Can Help Solve Europe’s Crisis Over Refugees

Local authorities are often responsible for supporting refugees, but excluded from resources and policymaking. We talk to Frederic Vallier, secretary-general of the ‎Council of European Municipalities and Regions, about why cities should have a seat at the table.about 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Why Big Data Cannot Fix Migration Statistics

Funda Ustek-Spilda Research Officer, London School of Economics, Department of Media and Communications

Stephan Scheel Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Twente

Big promises that “big data” will provide more accurate, real-time international migration statistics are overblown, say researchers Stephan Scheel and Funda Ustek-Spilda. They explain the political problems with statistics that cannot be solved by a technological fix.about 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Q&A

How Yemeni Refugees Photographed Their World

As part of our series ‘Picturing Refugees,’ anthropologist Nathalie Peutz and photographer Nadia Benchallal discuss self-representation and the social significance of imagery after working with nine Yemeni refugees to document their lives in Djibouti over a year.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Refugee Voices
Solutions
General

How Journalism Can Help Beat Human Traffickers in Nigeria

Nigerian journalist and campaigner Philip Obaji Jr. describes what working with children displaced by Boko Haram has taught him both about the power of storytelling and the importance of education – and access to clean water – to protect children at risk of trafficking.about 2 years ago

Economy
Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Mayors Can Help the Refugee Compact Turn Words Into Action

Jessica Brandt FELLOW, BROOKINGS

Will two years of work on the Global Compact on Refugees produce more than a piece of paper? Jessica Brandt of the Brookings Institution argues that the involvement of mayors and other urban leaders is critical to the Compact’s success.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Solutions
Articles
General

Before and After a Mediterranean Volunteer Voyage

In the latest in our series ‘Picturing Refugees,’ Sea-Watch’s Theresa Leisgang and photographer Moritz Richter present a series of portraits of volunteers before and after a rescue mission on the Mediterranean Sea.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Health
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Articles
General

Sicily’s Missing-Migrant Detectives

Meet the Italians driven by a sense of history and humanity to identify the refugees and migrants who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean.about 2 years ago

Integration
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Q&A

When Refugees Lead: A Conversation With Wales’ Refugee Coalition Chair

As part of our series “When Refugees Lead,” we speak with Rocio Cifuentes, chair of the Welsh Refugee Coalition and director of the Ethnic Youth Support Team, whose family fled dictatorship in Chile when she was an infant.about 2 years ago

Refugee Voices
Solutions
Articles
General

How Refugees Power a Grassroots Aid Movement

At the height of refugee arrivals to Europe, Greek and foreign volunteers plugged vital gaps in the aid response. Two years later, relief groups are increasingly dependent on the volunteerism of refugees and migrants themselves, writes author and volunteer Dana Sachs.about 2 years ago

Economy
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Articles
General

‘I Have to Come and Help’: Diary of a South Sudanese Aid Worker

Gisma Magara works with women in Juba’s camp for people who have fled South Sudan’s civil war. She tells her story to Sam Mednick.about 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

How to Start a Technology Revolution for Refugees in East Africa

Benjamin Hounsell Director of Strategy & Head of Implementation Research - ‎Samuel Hall

Technology is already revolutionizing education delivery and livelihoods for low-income communities in East Africa. Samuel Hall’s Benjamin Hounsell argues that, with some infrastructure investment, this presents a major opportunity for refugees in the region.about 2 years ago

Integration
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Q&A

When Refugees Lead: Conversation with German Politician Omid Nouripour

As part of our series ‘When Refugees Lead,’ we speak with Omid Nouripour, a German politician from the Green Party whose family fled Iran in the 1980s.about 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Integration
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

The Political Legacy of the Refugee Crisis Volunteers

Julie Melichar Researcher

Since Europe’s refugee crisis began, the focus has often been on anti-migrant populism. Researcher Julie Melichar has tracked an opposite wave, of Europeans politically activated by humanitarian response work.about 2 years ago

Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

We Must Answer 3 Key Questions on Refugee Responsibility-Sharing

Tristan Harley PhD Candidate, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales in Sydney

The Global Compact on Refugees is an opportunity to build a fairer global refugee system through more effective and equitable sharing of responsibility for refugees. The Kaldor Center’s Tristan Harley examines various unresolved issues.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Health
Solutions
Community
Q&A

Why Journalists Covering the Refugee Crisis Face Moral Injury

The refugee crisis saw many journalists confronted with trauma and hypocrisy on their home turf. Professor Anthony Feinstein discusses his latest work on the effects on those involved and their wider relevance.over 2 years ago

Economy
Innovation & Technology
Integration
Solutions
Community
Q&A

Understanding the Algorithm Meant to Help Refugees Get Jobs Fast

Researchers from Stanford University say an algorithm for locating refugee resettlement could vastly improve their probability of finding work. We speak with them about their research and the limits and opportunities of big data for refugee resettlement.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

Proactiva Release Does Not Spell End of Italy’s War on Rescue Groups

Judith Sunderland Associate Europe Director, Human Rights Watch, Milan

Italian judge’s releases rescue ship but upholds legal fiction of Libyan search and rescue zone. Judith Sunderland from Human Rights Watch explains why the contradiction matters.over 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Articles
General

A Question of Identity: Telling Stories Without Showing Faces

Since 2011, Forced Migration Review has chosen to avoid showing close-up images or faces. In the latest from our series on Picturing Refugees, editors Marion Couldrey and Jenny Peebles tell Refugees Deeply why.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Health
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

South Sudanese Turn to Suicide to Escape Camp Constraints

Philippe Carr Regional Communications Advisor, MSF Spain

As the temporary camp in South Sudan’s troubled city of Malakal enters its fourth year, residents are taking their own lives. Philippe Carr from MSF recounts doctors’ efforts to instill some hope.over 2 years ago

Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

What Political Leadership on Migration Looks Like

Louise Arbour Special Representative for International Migration, United Nations

It takes a great political leader to make the case for smart policy on migration - drawing on evidence and rational argument while addressing real vulnerabilities and fears, says U.N. Special Representative for International Migration Louise Arbour.over 2 years ago

Environment
Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Articles
General

In Portugal, Environmentalists Re-Imagine Refugee Spaces

A community in Portugal is planning to build a model refugee settlement that is ecologically sustainable and more socially inclusive than most camps. Sara-Duana Meyer examines the idea and its significance for the future of refugee settlements.over 2 years ago

Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

It’s Time to Stop Compartmentalizing Refugees and Migrants

Dr. Melissa Phillips Formerly Worked for the Danish Refugee Council in Libya and the Middle East

Lucy Hovil Senior Research Associate, International Refugee Rights Initiative

While the legal distinction between refugees and migrants is vital, these categories often overlap in reality – a fact poorly reflected in aid programs. Lucy Hovil and Melissa Phillips argue that an integrated approach is possible without diluting protection.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Integration
Refugee Voices
Solutions
Community
Q&A

How to Challenge Stereotypical Refugee Images: A Photographer’s Guide

In our series on Picturing Refugees, World Press Photo winner Kalpesh Lathigra shares his experience of challenging visual narratives of refugees, with advice for working photographers.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

How Italy Can Combine Migration Control With Human Rights

Gerald Knaus Founding Director, European Stability Initiative

John Dalhuisen ESI Senior Fellow and Former Director for Europe at Amnesty International

Speeding up asylum decisions and stepping up returns offer Italy’s politicians an effective and decent answer to public anger over migration. John Dalhuisen and Gerald Knaus say that the human rights lobby must recognize the alternative is far worse.over 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

What a Startup Mind-Set Can Contribute to Humanitarian Response

Aline Sara CEO and Founding Director, Social Enterprise NaTakallam

Startups can make refugee support more effective and complement the work of traditional aid groups, say the founders of NaTakallam, a social enterprise connecting displaced Arabic speakers with language learners. They urge more collaboration between such organizations.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

For Refugees Detained in Libya, Waiting is Not an Option

Izza Leghtas Senior Advocate, Europe at Refugees International

Niger has halted refugee evacuations from Libya after E.U. resettlement promises were not kept. Izza Leghtas from Refugees International calls for urgent action with lives at stake.over 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

The ‘Better Data’ Panacea for Refugees And Migrants: A Reality Check

Jeff Crisp Formerly Head of Policy Development and Evaluation, UNHCR

Amid a rush of enthusiasm for “data-driven humanitarianism,” Jeff Crisp of Chatham House cautions that increased data collection brings serious risks to refugees and migrants’ privacy and security – and will not necessarily lead to better policies.over 2 years ago

Solutions
Community
Deeply Talks

Deeply Talks: Picturing Refugees

In our latest Deeply Talks we explored why images of refugees and migrants are dominated by “boats and camps.” Award-winning photographer Kalpesh Lathigra and researcher Jelena Jovicic talk to our senior editor, Daniel Howden, about shifting dominant perceptions.over 2 years ago

Crises & Conflicts
Economy
Innovation & Technology
Integration
Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

For Refugee Compact to Talk Jobs, It Must Listen to Migration Compact

Jennifer Gordon Professor of Law, Fordham University in New York

Opening doors to refugees to make a good living can be positive, but the approach contains risks. Law professor Jennifer Gordon says the refugee and migration pacts must overlap for the sake of refugee workers.over 2 years ago

Laws & Policy
Solutions
Community
Q&A

U.N. Official: Refugee Compact Will Meet Fear and Ignorance With Facts

The first draft of the 2018 Global Compact on Refugees prompted some critical responses. The U.N. official leading the process, Volker Turk, talks to Refugees Deeply about what the evolving drafts are trying to achieve at a challenging time for refugee protection.over 2 years ago

Innovation & Technology
Solutions
Community
Op-Eds

How Blockchain Could Make Refugee Programs More Transparent

Solon Ardittis Director, Eurasylum

The advent of Blockchain technology is disrupting various industries, including international aid. Solon Ardittis, managing director of Eurasylum, argues that Blockchain could bring greater transparency and accountability to refugee and migration programs.over 2 years ago