Mawahib Abdallatif is a journalist based in Khartoum, Sudan.

Darfur holds Sudan back with threat of new violence

24 Jan 2021  |  Nation  |  English  |  Sudan's transitional government and peace efforts

Sudan, which recently had sanctions lifted by the US, is facing renewed violence in Darfur with at least 250 people killed and 3,500 displaced, according to UNHCR. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's government is seeking peace solutions after a stabbing incident escalated into ethnic clashes. The transitional government had been making peace efforts with rebels, and a peace deal was signed with most groups. However, the UNAMID peacekeeping force ended its operations last December, leading to concerns about a security vacuum. Amnesty International criticized the UN Security Council for allowing UNAMID's withdrawal and called for its mandate to be reinstated. The Darfur Bar Association described the recent violence as a criminal act, not ethnic cleansing. The conflict in Darfur has a long history, including the displacement of millions and accusations of war crimes against former President Omar al-Bashir. The current transitional government has struggled to implement a peace agreement fully and maintain security in the region.

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UN Security Council UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok’s office UN-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force (UNAMID) Amnesty International African Union (AU) Darfur Bar Association International Criminal Court Sudanese Transitional Government Sudan Liberation Movement/Army

Nidzara Ahmetasevic is a journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She has a long career as a journalist working for various local, regional and international media on human rights, war crimes, and international affairs, migrations. Her work has been published in The New Yorker, Al ...

Migrant hunger strikes spread in Greece

06 Feb 2017  |  EUobserver  |  English  |  Human Rights

Migrants in Greece are protesting against poor living conditions and treatment through hunger strikes. The protests began at Elliniko camp, an abandoned sports complex from the 2004 Olympics, now housing 1,000 refugees. Similar dissent is growing on the Aegean islands, where conditions are dire, with recent deaths from smoke inhalation and hypothermia. The islands are overcrowded, with Lesbos alone housing 4,800 people in camps designed for 3,800. Mayors from five islands have demanded the transfer of people to the mainland. Mental health professionals criticize the inhumane conditions and the impact on migrants' mental health. The European Commission plans to speed up asylum procedures and possibly transport people to the mainland, but the logistics remain unclear. Advocates argue for better living conditions and clear communication about the future to the migrants.

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Refugee Rights Data Project UN refugee agency UNHCR EUobserver Day Centre Babel European Commission

Yemeni freelance journalist based in the capital Sana'a, Yemen. Nominated for News and Documentary Emmy award 2019. Appalled by rampant hunger. I founded @hope_relief charity.

Europe Should Pay Attention to Yemenis Fleeing Their War

03 Feb 2023  |  www.globalstratview.com  |  English  |  War in Yemen

The article discusses the plight of Yemeni refugees, particularly highlighting the case of Haitham al-Hirdi, a young Yemeni who committed suicide in a Dutch refugee camp. It argues that European countries should ease asylum restrictions for Yemenis due to the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Yemen, led by the Saudi coalition. The war has resulted in widespread famine, destruction of infrastructure, and a healthcare crisis. The article contrasts the treatment of Yemeni refugees with that of other nationalities and calls for reciprocity, noting Yemen's acceptance of Somali refugees under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations Saudi Coalition

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Obaidullah Baheer is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Commentary: The United States’ Parting Gift To Afghanistan Of Theocratic Democracy

21 Mar 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  India

Afghanistan faces a growing threat from Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) amid the withdrawal of foreign forces and the Taliban's unwillingness to compromise. The Taliban's proposed political settlement includes a religious jurisprudence council, raising concerns about theocratic democracy. The U.S. State Department's human rights report criticizes Russia, Iran, and the Taliban for abuses. The Taliban's media crackdown and economic challenges are also highlighted. Afghan refugees in Iran express fears over a potential war with Israel. In India, the Citizenship Amendment Act excludes Muslims, affecting Afghan migrants' hopes for naturalization.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Taliban Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) International Organization for Migration Afghanistan World Food Program Amnesty International India Afghan Solidarity Committee

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Nabeel Biajo is an experienced reporter, English-Arabic translator/interpreter, and researcher with over 10 years of experience covering Africa, especially Sudan and South Sudan, with Voice of America and other organizations.

South Sudanese Refugee Families Impacted by Sudan Fire [3:54]

20 Jan 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Humanitarian Aid

A fire at the Al Takamul refugee settlement in the east of Khartoum, Sudan, has impacted over 400 South Sudanese refugee families. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, is collaborating with partners to provide necessary aid, including shelter, food, and non-food items, to approximately 2000 refugees. However, the agency is facing a funding shortage as it attempts to meet the needs of the vast number of refugees and internally displaced persons across Sudan. UNHCR's communications officer in Khartoum, Assadullah Nasrullah, discussed these challenges with VOA's Nabeel Biajo.

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U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR)

Matthew Bremner is a journalist based in Burgos, Spain. He is fluent in Spanish and has filed reports and features from places such as  Argentina and Japan. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, the BBC, VICE, Slate, The Daily Beast, Roads and Kingdoms and ESPN.

You can find examples of ...

The Melilla massacre: how a Spanish enclave in Africa became a deadly flashpoint

29 Aug 2023  |  www.theguardian.com  |  English  |  EU Immigration Policy

The article recounts the events of June 24, 2022, when approximately 1,700 migrants, mostly asylum seekers from Sudan and South Sudan, attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Melilla from Morocco. The migrants, who had been living in precarious conditions on Mount Gurugu, faced raids and blockades from Moroccan authorities and felt compelled to cross the border illegally. The crossing turned tragic as Moroccan police used excessive force, including tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to a stampede. At least 37 people died, and many were injured. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, initially praised the Spanish and Moroccan forces' actions, and Morocco prosecuted migrants involved. The article also explores Melilla's complex identity, its history, and the impact of EU immigration policies, including the construction of a border fence. It highlights the challenges faced by migrants like Basir, who survived the ordeal but remains in limbo, and the perspectives of local residents and security forces on the migration issue.

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UN refugee agency (UNHCR) Pulitzer Center Lighthouse Reports Moroccan Association of Human Rights Red Cross Office for National Statistics Spanish Guardia Civil Spanish Ombudsman

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Elizabeth Bryant is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Andrew Connelly is a British freelance print and radio journalist based in London but frequently on the road covering central and eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus. 

On the homefront, Andrew has recently reported on Britain's migration policy, London's Somali communities debating the ...

After the Beirut Blast, Impoverished Lebanese Attempt Boat Journeys to Europe

15 Sept 2020  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article details the harrowing journey of Lebanese migrants attempting to reach Cyprus by boat following the Beirut explosion and economic collapse. It highlights the dire conditions in Lebanon, the dangerous sea voyages, and the harsh responses from Cypriot authorities. Personal accounts of loss and desperation underscore the broader issues of political corruption, economic crisis, and human rights violations. The article criticizes both Lebanese and Cypriot authorities for their handling of the crisis, emphasizing the lack of support and due process for migrants.

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UN refugee agency UNHCR UN peacekeeping mission Lebanese Civil Defence Lebanese Navy Cyprus Police Human Rights Watch Cyprus Refugees Council Cyprus Interior Ministry

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Natalia Jidovanu is an independent Moldovan-Portuguese Photojournalist and Communications Consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya. 
Working in the East African region since 2014, she has documented gender, forced displacement and social inequality issues. Her work has taken her to South Sudan, Uganda, ...

Atrocities prompt mass exodus in Central Equatoria

15 Feb 2017  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Conflict

Central Equatoria in South Sudan, once known for peaceful coexistence, is experiencing a mass exodus to Uganda due to escalating violence between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and opposition forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar. Over 25,000 South Sudanese refugees arrived in Uganda in just one week, with reports of systematic attacks by soldiers in SPLA uniforms against civilians heading towards the border, forcing them to use informal crossings and leaving many elderly trapped in villages.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA)

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Emidio Jozine is a journalist based in Maputo, Mozambique.

Edmund Kagire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda. The 35-year old award-winning Rwandan Journalist was until the end of 2018 was working with The East African & Rwanda Today newspapers owned by Nation Media Group (NMG), with 12 years of practice.

Currently he has diverted into freelance ...

Afghan Schoolgirls' New Life in Rwanda Amid UN Controversy

01 Apr 2023  |  KT PRESS  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article discusses the evacuation of girls from the School of Leadership Afghanistan (SOLA) to Rwanda amidst the Taliban takeover of Kabul on August 15, 2021. The girls' escape was facilitated by the UN's International Organisation for Migration, and they are now continuing their education in Rwanda. The article contrasts the UN's support for the girls' relocation to Rwanda with the UNHCR's criticism of the UK Government's plan to send migrants to Rwanda, which was deemed unlawful by the UK Supreme Court. The author highlights Rwanda's role in providing sanctuary to the Afghan girls and other refugees, and questions the inconsistency in the UN's stance on Rwanda's safety. The piece also includes the Rwandan government's response to the Supreme Court's judgment and the criticism it has faced from various UK entities.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations International Organisation for Migration Supreme Court New Times

Johnson Kanamugire is a journalist based in Kigali, Rwanda - East Africa.
Mr. Johnson has earned commendation for excellence in producing compelling coverage and in-depth analysis of issues affecting ordinary citizens in Rwanda, and the wider East Africa. 
He focuses mostly on matters business, ...

Burundi, Rwanda hold meetings to mend relations

15 Jan 2022  |  www.theeastafrican.co.ke  |  English  |  Trade

Burundi and Rwanda are taking steps to mend their strained relations, which have been tense since 2015 due to accusations from Burundi's former president Pierre Nkurunziza's regime against Rwanda. High-level meetings, including the visit of Burundi’s Minister Ezéchiel Nibigira to Rwanda and discussions at the UN General Assembly, signal a positive move towards normalizing relations. The closure of borders in 2015 severely impacted cross-border trade and livelihoods. Both countries are addressing issues such as the return of Burundian refugees and the ban on exiled Burundian journalists in Rwanda. Trade between the two countries has plummeted, with Rwanda's trade with Burundi dropping from $20 million annually to just $0.01 million in the third quarter of 2021. Local manufacturers, such as Urwibutso Entreprise, are closely monitoring the situation, hoping to re-enter the Burundi market.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations General Assembly

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Pascal Laureyn is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Rohingya Crisis Stokes Fears of Myanmar’s Muslims

24 Oct 2017  |  www.ipsnews.net  |  English  |  Religion

Tensions between Muslims and Buddhists in Myanmar are escalating amid the Rohingya crisis, with nearly 600,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh since August due to persecution. The government's propaganda and Buddhist nationalist hostility have spread to other Muslim communities, leading to discrimination and violence. The democratization of Myanmar has allowed extremist ideas to flourish, and the military is seen as exploiting the conflict to maintain power. Despite the tensions, some Buddhists and Muslims continue to coexist peacefully. An international pledging conference in Geneva raised over 344 million dollars to support Rohingya refugees, emphasizing the need for continued humanitarian aid.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) European Union

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Naba Mohiedeen is a journalist based in Khartoum, Sudan.

Western Ethiopia Fighting Sends Thousands Fleeing to Sudan

23 Feb 2021  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Human Rights

The article reports on the recent surge of intercommunal violence in Ethiopia's Western Benishangul Gumuz region, which has led to thousands of people fleeing to Sudan's Blue Nile State. The violence in the Metekel zone has been escalating over the past three months, with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission estimating around 500 deaths in the last five months. The U.N. refugee agency spokesperson, Babar Baloch, indicates that the number of refugees has increased significantly in recent weeks, with an estimated 7,000 seeking safety in Sudan. The Ethiopian federal government declared a state of emergency in the Metekel zone on January 21. The UNHCR is collaborating with Sudanese authorities to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees, with nearly 3,000 registered and 1,000 receiving aid so far.

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UNHCR U.N. refugee agency Ethiopian Human Rights Commission

Shafi Musaddique is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. Currently freelance business reporter for the Independent. Bylines also in Prospect Magazine, Huffington Post in 2017. Previously a journalist at the BBC and the Economist, starting out as a reporter for local newspapers in London.

Ramadan 2024: Islamic philanthropy surges as UN delivers warning

12 Mar 2024  |  www.alliancemagazine.org  |  English  |  International Aid

Islamic philanthropy reached a record $46 million for 2 million displaced people in 2023, with contributions growing by almost 20% from 2022. The funds, raised through zakat and sadaqah, are crucial as they cover less than 50% of the UNHCR's global budget. Ramadan's arrival highlights the plight of displaced populations in Gaza and other regions. The UNHCR emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to Muslim philanthropy, focusing on crisis prevention, as current giving is heavily directed towards disaster relief, limiting diversification and effectiveness.

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UN agency for Palestinian refugees United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

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An award-winning multimedia correspondent who has reported from North America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and his native Britain for more than a decade. Strong editorial judgment and leadership skills with the ability to grasp and distill complex issues with ease and lead digital and broadcast ...

UN extends DRC sanctions as refugee flows increase

26 Jun 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Conflict

The UN Security Council extended its arms embargo, asset freeze, and travel ban on the Democratic Republic of Congo until July 2020 due to ongoing inter-ethnic violence, particularly in Ituri province. The sanctions aim to prevent weapon sales to rebel groups and require governments to block travel and freeze assets of designated militia leaders and politicians. The council also called for the DRC government to investigate the 2017 deaths of two UN investigators and their companions. Amidst the violence, about 300 people are fleeing to Uganda daily, with the UNHCR reporting extreme brutality and significant displacement. The region has a history of conflict, and the DRC is also battling an Ebola epidemic. Despite some armed groups showing willingness to demobilize, the UN experts' report indicates that numerous local and foreign armed groups continue to pose serious security threats.

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UN refugee agency (UNHCR) United Nations Security Council

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Alice Rowsome is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and journalist. 

Her work has been commissioned by National Geographic, The Guardian, Broadly, VICE Impact, The Independent, Refugees Deeply and other publications. Focusing on forced migration, climate change and women's rights, she has reported from ...

How Ugandan Locals are Supporting Refugees Through Eco-Entrepreneurship

22 Aug 2017  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Environmental Conservation

Uganda, recovering from a civil war and hosting nearly one million South Sudanese refugees, is praised for its progressive refugee policies. Locals in Northern Uganda, such as Richard, have turned to eco-entrepreneurship, creating efficient cook stoves that use less wood, doubling their income and conserving forests. The influx of refugees has expanded the market for these stoves, with humanitarian organizations purchasing them for distribution. Partnerships with solar companies have also emerged, promoting the use of solar lanterns and further benefiting the environment and local economy.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) LWF Act Alliance Chatham House's Moving Energy Initiative (MEI)

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Sertan Sanderson is a seasoned journalist with a rich background in covering news and current affairs. Specialising in social change, migration, and cultural impacts, his work is characterised by a deep exploration of the intersection of politics and human rights. 

His reporting has taken him ...

EU: Ukrainians allowed to leave and re-enter bloc under their protection status

04 Apr 2022  |  www.infomigrants.net  |  English  |  European Union

During a visit to Kyiv, Johansson emphasized that Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge in the EU could come and go as long as Russia's war continued. She noted that those returning to Ukraine permanently should opt out of EU temporary protection status. Johansson highlighted the EU's flexibility in allowing Ukrainians to re-register for protection if needed. The article also discusses the EU's swift action to offer protection to Ukrainians and contrasts this with the treatment of other asylum seekers, raising concerns about double standards.

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UNHCR UN Refugee Agency European Union

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Dimo Silva Aurelio, is a South Sudanese freelance journalist, who has written extensively on South Sudan's conflict and human rights issues in the Country, he visited refugees in camps in Uganda who gave their accounts of the conflict.

Before the conflict broke out in South Sudan in 2013, he ...

Returning South Sudanese Greeted by Continuous Infighting, Destruction

13 Mar 2019  |  The Globe Post  |  English  |  Humanitarian Issues

The article discusses the severe displacement crisis in South Sudan, where 400,000 people have been internally displaced and over 2.2 million have fled as refugees since the conflict began in 2013. Despite the signing of a peace deal and a decrease in violence, the situation remains unstable, with renewed clashes and issues such as destroyed or occupied property. The UNHCR maintains a non-return policy, but acknowledges the right of South Sudanese to return. The article highlights the challenges faced by returnees, including lack of resources like water, and the South Sudanese government's inability to provide for IDPs and returnees. Personal stories of returnees and comments from UNHCR Spokesperson Eujin Byun and South Sudan Deputy Commissioner for Refugees Affairs John Dabi are included to illustrate the dire conditions and the government's efforts to document returnees for future aid.

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U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)

I am a freelance video journalist with over 18 years of experience in various media outlets and am now based in Kampala, Uganda. 

I've worked on a radio, at an online media, past 12 years I have been working as camerawoman and journalist for various media houses such as Reuters and ZDF (while ...

Congolese cross a lake to escape an inferno

02 Mar 2018  |  Modern Ghana  |  English  |  Conflict

Hundreds of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been fleeing to Uganda via Lake Albert to escape violence between the Hema and Lendu communities. Over 28,000 people, mostly women and children, have crossed, bringing stories of horrific violence, including killings and rape. The conflict has been exacerbated by regional interests in Congo's resources and is part of increasing unrest under President Joseph Kabila's extended tenure. Some refugees have drowned during the crossing, and militias are reportedly blocking others from escaping. Uganda, already hosting 1.4 million refugees, is facing challenges such as disease outbreaks in camps. The violence in Ituri has led to villages being burned and civilians being attacked, with survivors unable to explain the motives behind the savagery.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) United Nations International Criminal Court

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Peter Yeung is a journalist based in Paris, France.

A Change in Greek Law Has Left Thousands of Refugees Homeless

14 Aug 2020  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Homelessness

A change in Greek law has drastically reduced the period refugees can stay in temporary accommodation, leading to the eviction of over 11,000 refugees from camps and UN-managed facilities. This has left many homeless and without state support, exacerbating their vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocacy groups and organizations like UNHCR, Oxfam, and MSF criticize the government's actions as inhumane and inadequate, highlighting the lack of an effective integration system. Refugees, including children and disabled individuals, face dire conditions, with limited access to food, medical care, and shelter.

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UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Greek Government Oxfam International Organisation for Migration (IOM) SolidarityNow Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) KEERFA

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Zecharias Zelalem is a journalist focusing on Ethiopian affairs and the Horn of Africa as a whole.

An Abusive System Left Ethiopian Domestic Workers Stranded In Lebanon For Years

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Economic Crisis

Ethiopian domestic workers in Lebanon, subjected to abuse under the kafala system, have faced severe hardships, including withheld salaries, physical abuse, and homelessness. Amid Lebanon's economic crisis and the pandemic, many were left stranded. The NGO Egna Legna Besidet has been instrumental in repatriating these workers, while larger organizations like the International Organization for Migration have had limited impact. The Lebanese and Ethiopian governments have been criticized for their inadequate responses. Despite some efforts to reform the kafala system, significant challenges remain for migrant workers seeking to return home.

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UNHCR UN Refugee Agency Egna Legna Besidet International Organization for Migration Lebanese Government Ethiopian Government

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