Watch Out for Refugees

Česko odmítá uprchlické kvóty. Místní politici říkají, že společnost není na příchod a integraci utečenců připravená. Budují v lidech strach z toho, že migrace rozvátí zemi. Zcela odlišný obraz uprchlické krize nabízí sousední Bavorsko. Tato spolková země integrovala tisíce uprchlíků, kterým pomohla naučit se německy, najít si bydlení i najít a udržet si zaměstnání. Využívají k tomu dobrovolníky, kteří téměř po celém Bavorsku organizují vzdělávací a volnočasové aktivity.

The Kino Border Initiative is a volunteer binational organization that provides food, aid, and shelter for migrants crossing the border between Mexico and Arizona. The rate of asylum-seekers is steadily rising, and this organization makes sure that they have a safe place to live while they wait for their day in court. Every day up to 60 volunteers conduct services that range from preparing meals to translating Indigenous languages.

A British military officer and his Afghanistan translator created a network of interpreters to help push policy changes in the United Kingdom to allow more translators to move to the country with their families. Out of the 2,000 interpreters employed by the British military, fewer than 400 have been able to relocate legally even though most face deadly reprisals for their work. The effort has brought promises of change from top officials, but much remains to be done.

Drawing on lessons learned during the 2015 refugee crisis in Europe, organizations such as Zusammenleben Wilkommen are working to connect Ukrainian refugees with housing, employment, and social support. Since the Russian invasion, the platform, which helps match refugees with rooms in shared apartments, has seen a spike in users offering up accommodations.

A new mobile app called Tarjimly connects refugees with much needed translation services, especially in times of emergency. With over 8,000 volunteer translators who speak over 90 languages, the adaptable app can break down language barriers in any situation in which a refugee has access to a mobile phone.

Thousands of researchers across the world have been displaced by war. They struggle to resume their work as refugees in a foreign country. Yet, numerous organizations are trying to help at risk scholars by offering fellowships to help them continue their work.

Sweden has, and continues, to receive a lot of asylum seekers, leading to the need for successful integration of these new immigrants. Certain programs have been developed, such as one that when completed asylum seekers will be able to gain employment faster, or others that help young immigrants understand their new culture.

Anti-war Russians fleeing abroad are getting married in Tbilisi, Georgia, where the marriage process is quick and easy. The couples get married for a variety of reasons, from ensuring they aren’t split up when they get to another country to simply wanting to anchor themselves together during uncertain times. All that’s needed are translations of their passports, an appointment at the Tbilisi House of Justice, and two witnesses.

An organization called Ukrainian Ants rents out a hotel in Transcarpathia for people who are displaced due to the war. During their stay, they help the organization with various tasks and are given food and necessary household items.

The Refugee House — also known as Teremok — provides a safe place to stay for Belarusians and Ukranians fleeing turmoil in their homelands. Through a partnership with the Italian aid charity organization Progetto Sud Institute, The Refugee House also provides food and other basic necessities like blankets and pillows. So far, more than 20 families – about 150 people – have lived at the Refugee House.