Why is Europe suddenly so interested in helping refugees?
2 years, 9 months ago

Why is Europe suddenly so interested in helping refugees?

Al Jazeera  

The same Europeans who wanted to ‘burn their old blankets rather than give them to Middle Eastern refugees’ are now collecting donations for the Ukrainians. Yet, as a scholar who has been researching migration and violence along the EU’s borders for many years, I could not help but ask: Why are Europeans feeling so much empathy for refugees now? Just like European states, European citizens also responded to Ukrainian refugees very differently than other refugees who tried to cross their countries’ borders in the past. The same Europeans who want to burn their old blankets rather than give them to Middle Eastern refugees are collecting donations for the Ukrainians not only because the violence they are escaping is much more familiar and near, but also because they – as some journalists and politicians openly pointed out – have “white skin and blond hair”.

Refugees Poland Solidarity Ukraine Russia Syria Border Yemen Belarus Help Central Russian Ukrainian Eastern Europeans Croatia Czech Ukrainians Eastern Europe Eastern European Ukrainian Refugees European States  european  states  refugees  europe  helping  ukrainians  ukraine  border  help  suddenly  interested  ukrainian  eastern

History of this topic

EU warns of ‘solidarity fatigue’ despite warm welcome for millions of Ukraine refugees
1 year, 6 months ago

EU warns of ‘solidarity fatigue’ despite warm welcome for millions of Ukraine refugees

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Despite the warm welcome given millions of Ukraine refugees in the European Union since the Russian invasion, EU officials said Tuesday there are some fears of wavering support caused by a slowing economy that especially affects poor families and the creeping influence of Russian propaganda. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson stressed that support for the 4 million …

EU warns of 'solidarity fatigue' despite warm welcome for millions of Ukraine refugees
1 year, 6 months ago

EU warns of 'solidarity fatigue' despite warm welcome for millions of Ukraine refugees

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

On anniversary of war’s start, EU pledges more support for Ukrainian refugees
1 year, 10 months ago

On anniversary of war’s start, EU pledges more support for Ukrainian refugees

LA Times  

European Union officials Friday pledged continued support for millions of Ukrainian refugees, as they marked the anniversary of the Russian invasion. “Ukraine can win this war, but we will be with Ukraine as long as it takes,” EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told the Associated Press on the sidelines of a conference on migration near Athens. Bartosz Grodecki, the …

European nations give priority to fleeing Ukrainians, discriminate against Arab refugees
1 year, 10 months ago

European nations give priority to fleeing Ukrainians, discriminate against Arab refugees

Firstpost  

London: A recent report from Save the Children says that European nations are treating refugees who enter the continent through the Mediterranean Sea differently than those who enter through Ukraine. According to Save the Children, those fleeing turmoil in Ukraine “have not suffered violence, pushbacks, or had to rely on smugglers.” In accordance with the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive, the …

'We're Very Encouraged': UN Says Support for Refugees Has Risen Amid Ukraine War Exodus
2 years, 6 months ago

'We're Very Encouraged': UN Says Support for Refugees Has Risen Amid Ukraine War Exodus

News 18  

An outpouring of public support across Europe for millions of people fleeing war in Ukraine may point to a shift in attitudes towards refugees as the number of those displaced by conflict or persecution globally has surpassed 100 million, the UNHCR said. More than 6.5 million people have left since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly four months ago, many finding accommodation …

There is not a single vacant place: Ukraine's burgeoning refugee crisis as war nears 100th day
2 years, 6 months ago

There is not a single vacant place: Ukraine's burgeoning refugee crisis as war nears 100th day

India Today  

It has been a little over three months since Russia invaded Ukraine and the immediate after-effects of this were non-fighting Ukrainians moving out of their country to neighbouring nations, mostly central Europe, as refugees. As per the WHO, the displaced people of Ukraine living in makeshift shelters and overcrowded places also increase the risk of getting infected with diseases like …

Europe accused of ‘double standard’ on Ukrainian refugees
2 years, 7 months ago

Europe accused of ‘double standard’ on Ukrainian refugees

Associated Press  

UNITED NATIONS — The quick acceptance of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s aggression puts a spotlight on Europe’s “double standard” for migrants, standing against its nonwelcome for people fleeing violence in Africa, the Mideast and elsewhere, the head of the world’s largest humanitarian network said Monday. Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said he …

Hope, horror, as Ukrainian war refugees exceed 6 million
2 years, 7 months ago

Hope, horror, as Ukrainian war refugees exceed 6 million

Associated Press  

CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania — Expectant mother Galina Kubiak says she misses her home in Ukraine but has fallen in love with Romania, the neighboring country where she fled with her two small children to escape the war. “I’m so surprised in a good way the kindness of people.” Since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, more than 6 million people have fled …

Ukraine’s Refugee Crisis and the (B)ordering of Europe
2 years, 8 months ago

Ukraine’s Refugee Crisis and the (B)ordering of Europe

Hindustan Times  

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis has seen an unprecedented movement of nearly four million refugees beyond the borders to neighbouring countries. The feel good narrative of Europe’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis conceals entrenched hierarchies of protection that are aimed at keeping out the ‘outsider’. Fortress Europe appears to be experiencing a ‘we are …

What do Syrians think about the welcome for Ukrainian refugees?
2 years, 8 months ago

What do Syrians think about the welcome for Ukrainian refugees?

Al Jazeera  

Although they have the same enemy, Syrians in Germany say they did not enjoy the same open-armed embrace when their country’s war erupted. “It’s great that Ukrainians are being looked after at the political level in this way, but the message that I see is that there is a difference between those who are Europeans with blond hair and blue …

Non-white refugees fleeing Ukraine detained in EU immigration facilities
2 years, 9 months ago

Non-white refugees fleeing Ukraine detained in EU immigration facilities

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Non-white students who have fled Ukraine have been …

Refugee aid workers decry ‘hypocrisy’ of European governments
2 years, 9 months ago

Refugee aid workers decry ‘hypocrisy’ of European governments

Al Jazeera  

Those who previously supported Middle Eastern refugees say dealing with the Ukraine crisis is far easier with state support. On the Polish border, large billboards outside a hall temporarily accommodating people read: “Poland Will Help You!” There is an abundance of solidarity from civil society and states and as many observers have noted, the welcome is almost unrecognisable compared with …

The government’s sponsorship scheme for Ukrainian refugees is radical – and not without risk
2 years, 9 months ago

The government’s sponsorship scheme for Ukrainian refugees is radical – and not without risk

The Independent  

After chaos comes innovation, of sorts. Ever since the Russians invaded Ukraine – an eventuality the intelligence services were warning about for weeks in advance – ministers have found themselves scrambling to devise suitable ways of getting Ukrainian refugees safely to Britain and playing catch-up with the remarkable wave of public sympathy for the plight of the Ukrainian people. But …

Europe Braces for Ukrainian Refugees from Cities Under Bombardment
2 years, 9 months ago

Europe Braces for Ukrainian Refugees from Cities Under Bombardment

News 18  

Eastern Europe braced for a surge of refugees from shelled towns and cities in Ukraine on Thursday as fighting following Russia’s invasion intensified and the United Nations said more than 2.3 million people had now fled the country. Ukraine had hoped to start evacuating civilians through seven “humanitarian corridors” on Thursday, a day after it said a children’s hospital was …

Q&A: Understanding Europe’s response to Ukrainian refugee crisis
2 years, 9 months ago

Q&A: Understanding Europe’s response to Ukrainian refugee crisis

Al Jazeera  

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered Europe’s biggest refugee crisis in decades, with more than 2 million Ukrainians fleeing their country within two weeks. Western media has been accused of double standard and hypocrisy in its coverage of the crisis, with many critics pointing out “racial bias” in the way “white refugees” were being portrayed vis-à-vis refugees of colour. …

How the Ukraine Crisis Reveals Brutal 'Everyday Racism' in Europe and Beyond
2 years, 9 months ago

How the Ukraine Crisis Reveals Brutal 'Everyday Racism' in Europe and Beyond

The Quint  

Equally disturbing is the unthinkingly racist mainstream media framing of Ukrainian refugees, in comparison to the framing of refugees from Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan or Africa. Below, a selection of such racist commentary from major news outlets: “This isn’t Iraq or Afghanistan This is a relatively civilised, relatively European city” - Charlie D’Agata, CBS “War is no longer something visited …

To avoid bottleneck in Poland, Ukrainian refugees head south
2 years, 9 months ago

To avoid bottleneck in Poland, Ukrainian refugees head south

LA Times  

Refugees fleeing the conflict from neighboring Ukraine help push an elderly lady sitting in a wheelchair, at the Romanian-Ukrainian border, in Siret, Romania. Just last month, Yana Bebko strolled across Kyiv’s Independence Square with Dario Boehm — a German man she’d met on a matchmaking site — reassuring him that there was no way Russian President Vladimir Putin would invade …

Ukraine: Concerns mount as Black people report racism while fleeing war zone
2 years, 9 months ago

Ukraine: Concerns mount as Black people report racism while fleeing war zone

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This isn’t just happening to Black people – even Indians, Arabs and …

UN admits refugees have faced racism at Ukraine borders
2 years, 9 months ago

UN admits refugees have faced racism at Ukraine borders

The Independent  

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The United Nations has admitted that some non-European …

Ukraine Acknowledges Racist Treatment Of Africans Fleeing Russian Invasion
2 years, 9 months ago

Ukraine Acknowledges Racist Treatment Of Africans Fleeing Russian Invasion

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Days into the massive refugee crisis created by Russia’s war on Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has publicly acknowledged that African immigrants seeking to flee the violence have faced racist, disparate treatment compared to white Ukrainians. On Tuesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that Russia’s invasion had “affected Ukrainians and non-citizens in many devastating ways.” “Africans seeking …

As foreigners in Ukraine also flee war, some report mistreatment
2 years, 9 months ago

As foreigners in Ukraine also flee war, some report mistreatment

LA Times  

A student covers herself in blanket at the Medyka border crossing in Poland after fleeing from Ukraine. At a refugee center set up in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, some Indian citizens told the Associated Press on Tuesday that Ukrainian border guards gave fellow Ukrainians priority in getting out of the country and attempted to physically push non-Ukrainians back. Poland’s ambassador to …

Europe welcomes Ukrainian refugees — others, less so
2 years, 9 months ago

Europe welcomes Ukrainian refugees — others, less so

Associated Press  

BARCELONA, Spain — They file into neighboring countries by the hundreds of thousands — refugees from Ukraine clutching children in one arm, belongings in the other. “These are not the refugees we are used to… these people are Europeans,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov told journalists earlier this week, of the Ukrainians. Ambassador Krzysztof Szczerski said at the General Assembly …

Europe Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees — Others, Not So Much
2 years, 9 months ago

Europe Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees — Others, Not So Much

News 18  

They file into neighboring countries by the hundreds of thousands refugees from Ukraine clutching children in one arm, belongings in the other. But the warm welcome soon ended after EU nations disagreed over how to share responsibility, with the main pushback coming from Central and Eastern European countries like Hungary and Poland. One by one, governments across Europe toughened migration …

ALL EU countries will take in Ukrainian refugees for up to three years without asylum applications
2 years, 9 months ago

ALL EU countries will take in Ukrainian refugees for up to three years without asylum applications

Daily Mail  

The EU will take in Ukrainian refugees without asking them to apply for asylum first, it was announced tonight, as hundreds of thousands of terrified citizens continue to flee their homes amid the ongoing Russian invasion. It comes as huddled masses of Ukrainian women and children escaping Russian bombs today rode trains, cars and ferries from cities including Lviv in …

European nations throw open borders to Ukrainian refugees
2 years, 9 months ago

European nations throw open borders to Ukrainian refugees

Al Jazeera  

Anti-refugee governments in Poland and Hungary take decidedly different tone after Russian invasion forces tens of thousands to flee. — Filippo Grandi February 26, 2022 Moldovan President Maia Sandu said her country’s borders were open to Ukrainian citizens and it would help those arriving in their “humanitarian needs”. ‘Only so many places’ Hanne Beirens, director of Migration Policy Institute Europe, …

Ukrainians flee war, seeking safety across western borders
2 years, 9 months ago

Ukrainians flee war, seeking safety across western borders

Associated Press  

PRZEMYSL, Poland — Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have crossed into neighboring countries to the west in search of safety as Russia pounded their capital and other cities with airstrikes for a second day. The Ukrainian authorities, she said, “were nice, not rude, but they said that men have a duty to defend the country.” Cars were backed up for …

Discover Related