The magnitude of the refugee crisis can seem daunting and it’s easy to feel powerless against such a colossal situation. However, I’ve always believed that power emanates from knowledge, which is why I’m sharing with you some of my favorite resources for understanding refugees and refugee work around the world. The more I learn, the more I see that there are things I can do to make a difference. I believe the same will be true of you and hope these resources prove a valuable arsenal for you.
Human Flow
This documentary by Ai Weiwei puts a human face to the global refugee crisis in a way that is equally artistic and informative. The compassionate portrayal of the refugee crisis is delivered with a zen-like back and forth between facts and humanity. He identifies the regions of the world in which the crisis is reaching unprecedented levels. If you’re looking for a big picture of the current global crisis, take a couple of hours to watch this film. You can purchase it on-line or watch for free on Amazon Prime.
UNHRC Global Trends 2016
This report is free to download from the United Nations High Commission on Refugees and gives a comprehensive snapshot in stories and statistics of the current global refugee crisis. Although the information is about a year old, it is still valid and priceless. The infographics outline a stark definition of the crisis and the tables at the end break down the extent of the global crisis country by country. It’s an excellent, free resource for anyone serious about refugee ministries.
Seeking Refugee: On the Shores of the Global Refugee Crisis
Stephan Bauman, Matthew Soerens, and Dr. Issam Smeir. 2016. World Relief, Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL.
This is one of my favorite books dealing with the refugee crisis in relation to the United States’ needs and response. It contains practical guides and evidenced-based solutions for hosting and working with refugees here in the US. Published by World Relief, the book contains inspirational stories and practical steps to minister to the refugees living in our own backyard.
ReliefWeb.org
ReliefWeb is a leading humanitarian information source on global crises and disasters. It is a specialized digital service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). They provide reliable and timely information, including the latest reports, maps and infographics from trusted sources, enabling humanitarian workers to make informed decisions and plan effective response. ReliefWeb is also a valuable resource for job listings and training programs, helping humanitarians build new skills and discover exciting new career opportunities. ReliefWeb encompasses more than just refugees. However, you can visit their home page and search current events or specifically for refugee work for reliable information that is practically in real-time.
These resources have been invaluable to me in my work and continuing education on refugees and the current crisis. If you have other resources you rely on and would be willing to share, we would love to hear from you.