Middle East

For Syrian refugees, another year has gone by, but most see no sign of hope on the horizon

Omar al-Muqdad – a prominent journalist, documentary filmmaker, and former Syrian refugee – writes a bi-monthly blog for CMS titled, “Dispatches from the Global Crisis in Refugee Protection.” This series covers the Syrian Civil War, the experiences of Syria’s immense...

Russian-US Repatriation Plan Not Supported by Syrian Refugees

Omar al-Muqdad – a prominent journalist, documentary filmmaker, and former Syrian refugee – discusses the agreement entered into by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump to repatriate Syrian refugees.

Nationalism, Refugee Protection, and Migration Policy | Hon. Judge Mohamad Abou Zeid

On May 2, 2018, CMS hosted the event “Nationalism, Refugee Protection, and Migration Policy,” a side event to the interfaith conference, “Sharing the Journey of Migrants and Refugees: An Interfaith Perspective on the Global Compacts.” This side event covered...

My Life as a Refugee

Omar al-Muqdad describes the circumstances in his home country of Syria that led to him becoming a refugee, and the kindness he encountered when resettled in the United States.

Religious Persecution and the US Refugee Program under the Trump Administration

From Right to Permission: Asylum, Mediterranean Migrations, and Europe’s War on Smuggling

This paper analyzes Mediterranean migrant smuggling and European anti-smuggling efforts. It argues that European deterrence, containment, and anti-smuggling policies have proven ineffective and costly. It makes the case that the “war on smuggling” has provided a rationale for immigration containment, contributes to migrant vulnerability, and erodes the right to seek asylum. It proposes that European and other liberal-democratic states create policies that build on migrant agency and local civic engagements; enhance and expand family reunification, refugee resettlement, study visas and temporary protection; reverse anti-asylum policies; and set labor immigration quotas that protect worker’s rights and reflect the demands of their labor markets.

Ending the Syrian Refugee Crisis Will Take Far More Than Retaliatory Bombings

CMSOnAir | Paola Piscitelli on the Humanitarian Corridors Project

In this episode, Paola Piscitelli, president of the Community of Sant'Egidio USA, describes the history of the Community of Sant'Egidio and explains its Humanitarian Corridors Project, including the process of identifying refugee beneficiaries and the communities to host them, the services and programs coordinated to welcome refugees, and the importance of ecumenical partnerships to serve people in need.

Refugees in Lebanon: Geopolitics and Unmet Human Needs

Lebanon experienced a massive influx of Syrian refugees, overstretching the country's resources and increasing political tensions. While the number of registered Syrian refugees has reportedly decreased, Omar al-Muqdad writes that the world's response is failing to meeting the needs of those who remain. He highlights the story of Um Hussein, a 62-year-old refugee from Homs, and her family's struggle to survive.

The Syrian Refugee Experience: A Tormented Journey into the Unknown

In the first post of ‘Dispatches from the Global Crisis in Refugee Protection,’ Omar al-Muqdad – a prominent journalist, documentary filmmaker, and former Syrian refugee – discusses the conflicts and conditions in Syria forcing Syrians to make desperate, limited choices.