Photo: pixpoetry

Fleeing one’s home is a terrifying experience that no one should ever have to go through. Despite the continuously improving standards of living, the unfortunate reality of the modern world exemplifies that the refugee crisis is only getting worse. From wars to famines, unemployment to climate change, reasons for why one would abandon their home, or be forced out of it, are increasing in number. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated the underlying issues: medical facilities have been overwhelmed, borders have been closed, supply shortages have become a much more common occurrence. Programs with the aims of successful integration and settling people in need of asylum are often under heavy strain as it is, and now – more than ever. In this category, we want to explore the current situation of the refugee crisis around the world: its history, successes and failures, what the future might look like for those who deal with it, and in particular what has changed with the new reality of COVID.