Now in its eighth year, the Syrian refugee crisis is the largest refugee and displacement crisis of our time. Because of the Syrian civil war, 5.6 million people have fled Syria as refugees, putting a strain on the region’s ability to cope, and another 6.2 million people are displaced within Syria.
News & Stories
Refugees
From the Field
7 of the worst disasters of 2018
As these seven of the worst disasters of 2018 show us, children and families around the world experienced tremendous pain and suffering this past year. But there remains a glimmer of light in each of them. Hope has not been snuffed out.
From the Field
DRC conflict: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) threatens the lives of more than 7 million children affected by fighting, hunger, diseases, and poverty.
From the Field
Myanmar refugees in Bangladesh: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Since Aug. 25, 2017, more than 700,000 people from Myanmar have fled to Bangladesh because of extreme violence in northern Rakhine state. Most identify as Rohingya, a Muslim minority ethnic group. Impoverished and living in camps, they depend on aid for survival.
Voices
Winter corn chowder: A recipe for friends and refugees
Last spring, Patricia Heaton visited and helped cook for South Sudanese refugees as they arrived on their long journey from war-torn South Sudan into Northern Uganda. Inspired by her trip and providing that first warm meal to welcome the newcomers, Patricia guest blogs about a recipe for winter corn chowder.
Change Makers
What does the Bible say about refugees?
You won’t find the word “refugee” in the Bible, but there are principles in God’s Word for how his people are to treat those who are called “strangers,” “foreigners,” and “sojourners” in our translations. In Matthew 25, Jesus says that how we treat “strangers” indicates whether or not we are his followers. Disciples’ behavior should include hospitality to strangers. And the New Testament epistles use the term “strangers” as a metaphor for our status before we professed faith in Jesus Christ.
From the Field
World Humanitarian Day: An aid worker’s diary from a refugee camp
World Humanitarian Day is held every year on Aug. 19 to celebrate aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world. Learn about a World Vision worker’s experience in a refugee camp in Bangladesh.
Voices
The importance of play when violence displaces childhood
In times of crisis, World Vision establishes Child-Friendly Spaces where children can go and feel safe, begin recovering from trauma, and learn to play again. Read how play is crucial for children’s learning and recovery.
Change Makers
Rich Stearns’ leadership through the years
World Vision scored major victories in the war against poverty during Rich Stearns’ 20-year presidency. He will retire effective Oct. 1, 2018.
From the Field
Forced to flee: Top countries refugees are coming from
More than two-thirds of the world’s 25.4 million refugees come from just five countries. Overall, more than 68.5 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced. Why did they flee, where are they going, and what can be done to address the plight of refugees, especially children?