Number Of Refugees Research Articles

Healthcare Barriers and Policy Implications for Non-Syrian Refugees Under International Protection in Türkiye

Türkiye hosts the largest number of refugees in the world, but research has mainly focused on Syrian refugees. This study fills this gap by exploring the experiences of non-Syrian refugees in accessing health services in Türkiye challenges they face. Using a qualitative methodology, 32 participants were selected, and data was collected through in-depth interviews. The analysis revealed three main themes: "health conditions of refugees," "difficulties in accessing health services" and "Professionals’ recommendations". The findings indicate that non-Syrian refugees face significant obstacles, including legal restrictions, financial constraints, language barriers, lack of knowledge of rights and discriminatory attitudes on the part of some health professionals. Access to mental health treatment was particularly difficult for non-Syrian refugees. This study has significant implications for policy makers and healthcare providers and identifies critical areas for intervention to improve access to essential healthcare services.

Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to Europe’s largest displacement of people since World War II, with significant substantial numbers of Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in neighbouring countries. International research attests to the crucial roles public libraries can play in the reception and integration of refugees. However, diverse professional and geographical contexts and sociopolitical landscapes in which libraries work to support refugee reception and integration processes, necessitate ongoing and renewed focus on the topic. Therefore, this study examines how public libraries in Hungary and Poland responded to the influx of Ukrainian refugees, investigating their roles, programmes and partnerships. Using mixed methods, the study analyses previously unexamined 2018 questionnaire results and conducts 12 subsequent interviews with library staff. Findings reveal that libraries addressed a spectrum of user needs falling into three broad phases. Initially, they focussed on primary needs during the first phase, transitioning to settlement-related needs in the second phase. Variances between Poland and Hungary emerged during this phase, with Hungary primarily serving transient refugees and those with Hungarian backgrounds, while Poland saw a higher number of refugees of Ukrainian background settling. In the final phase, libraries emphasized literacy, integration and cultural support, aligning with reading and collection-oriented services. Service provision was characterized by nontraditional services in the first phase, non-collection-oriented services in the second phase and collection-oriented services in the third phase, with information provision central to all three phases. The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support. Further research is warranted to explore library services to refugees globally amid increasing global migration and to understand the experiences of refugees using library services.

Delivering Exercise Services to Refugees and Asylum Seekers in High-Income Countries

ABSTRACT Given the recent unprecedented number of refugees resettled in the United States of America yearly, exercise professionals in high-income countries are increasingly likely to engage with refugees and asylum seekers in their practice. Resettled refugees and asylum seekers often experience an array of stressors, including traumatic experiences associated with forced displacement, postdisplacement challenges, and cultural adjustment. These stressors place refugees and asylum seekers at greater risk of both mental and physical health disparities than people who have not experienced forced displacement. While exercise is associated with improved physical and mental health outcomes, refugees and asylum seekers are at a high risk of inactivity, and they face barriers at interpersonal, structural, and sociocultural levels. This expert commentary outlines strategies to address considerations in working with refugees and asylum seekers, including the impact of the refugee experience, the need to harness the client’s strengths and resources to foster exercise self-efficacy, and the cultural capability of the exercise workforce. The aims are to draw attention to the refugee experience and to equip exercise professionals with guidance to provide quality, person-centered, and strength-based services to refugees and asylum seekers within a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

The Role and Functions of City Parks in the Adaptation Process of Refugees to the City: The Case of Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park

Today, migration mobility is experienced intensely all over the world. As refugees seek asylum in their countries of origin, the process of integration begins spontaneously, and urban parks, which are the most important part of the public space and provide the unity of the city dwellers, play an active role in this process. "How does the use of urban parks change with the unpredictable number of refugees all over the world and especially in Turkey and how does this situation find expression in Ankara?" is the starting point of the study, while "the fact that refugees are under difficult socio-cultural and economic conditions has led to the use of urban parks and negatively affected the use of parks by local people" is the hypothesis of the study. Within the scope of the study, Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park, located in Altındağ district of Ankara, which is one of the countries hosting the highest number of refugees in the world and has the highest Syrian population in Ankara, was selected as the sample area and the park usage tendencies of both refugees and local people, how they feel about using the park together and whether the park contributes to the adaptation process were examined through a face-to-face survey. According to the survey data; it has been determined that there is not a full harmonization between the refugees using Ulubey Şehit Ömer Karaosmanoğlu Park and the local people and refugee women have more difficulties in harmonization than refugee men. With this study, solution suggestions are presented to local governments at the point of planning and design of urban parks in countries hosting refugees.

The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on Health Education to Improve Health Empowerment Level among Refugees in Jordan

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a health education-based training program in enhancing the level of health empowerment among refugees in Jordan. Health empowerment is a crucial component of health promotion, enabling individuals to take control of their health, manage their health outcomes, and improve them. Refugees are a vulnerable population group with limited access to healthcare. Methods: The study sample consisted of 38 refugees in Irbid governorate, Jordan, who were conveniently selected in coordination with some organizations working in the field of asylum in the governorate. They were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 19) that received the health education training program, and a control group (n = 19) that did not receive any health education training. The Health Empowerment Scale (HES), a validated tool, was used to collect data from both groups in pre-tests and post-tests, and a follow-up test was conducted for members of the experimental group only. Results: The results showed a statistically significant increase in the health empowerment scores for the experimental group that received the training program compared to the control group. The mean of the pre-test for the experimental group was (1.97 ± 0.27), and for the control group, it was (1.84 ± 0.21). The post-test mean for the experimental group became (3.88 ± 0.13), while for the control group, it was (1.85 ± 0.20). The follow-up test indicated sustained enhanced levels of health empowerment in the experimental group, with little difference between the post-test and follow-up scores, indicating the effectiveness of the health education training program in enhancing health empowerment for refugees in Jordan. Conclusions: Healthcare providers and policymakers in Jordan and other countries hosting large numbers of refugees have significant responsibilities. Giving sufficient priority to health education and awareness programs is essential to enhance the health empowerment of refugees and improve their health literacy, which ultimately impacts their overall public health.

Characterizing zero-dose and under-vaccinated children among refugees and internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has one of the highest numbers of un and under-vaccinated children as well as number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world. This study aims to determine and compare the proportion and characteristics of zero-dose (ZD) and under-vaccinated (UV) children among refugees and IDPs in the DRC, as well as the reasons for incomplete vaccination schedules.MethodsData from a rolling vaccination coverage survey conducted from September 10, 2022, to July 03, 2023, among refugees and IDPs in 12 provinces of the DRC. ZD was defined as a child aged 12–23 months who had not received any dose of pentavalent vaccine DTP-Hib-Hep B (by card or recall) and UV as a child who had not received the third dose of pentavalent vaccine. The proportions of non and under-vaccination and the associated factors using a logistic regression model are presented for ZD and UV children. The reasons for non-vaccination of these children are described using the WHO-Immunization behavioral and social-drivers-conceptual framework and compared using Pearson’s Chi2 test.ResultsOf 692 children aged 12 to 23 months included in the analysis, 9.3% (95% CI: 7.2–11.7%) were ZD and 40.9% (95% CI: 95%: 37.2–44.6%) UV. The Penta1/Penta3 drop-out rate was 34.9%. After adjustment, ZD children had a significant history of home or road birth. And UV children were significantly associated with mothers/caregivers being under 40, uneducated, farmers, ranchers, employed, rural residents, as well as with home or road births. Reasons linked to people’s perceptions and feelings were cited much more often for ZD (50.0%) than for UV (38.3%). Those related to social reasons were cited much more often by ZD (40.6%) than by UV (35.7%). Reasons related to “programmatic and practical issues” were cited less for ZD (90.5%) than for UV (97.1%).ConclusionsZD and UV children represent significant proportions in refugee and IDPs sites in the DRC. However, the proportion of ZD is less than for the entire country, while the proportion of UV is comparable, reflected in a very high drop-out rate. Similarly to studies in the general population in DRC, the reasons for ZD children were mainly linked to challenges in caregiver motivation to vaccinate, while for UV children, they were more often linked to pro-grammatic and practical problems of the health system.

By the numbers and in their own words: A mixed methods study of unmet needs and humanitarian inclusion of older Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Older people constitute an overlooked vulnerable population in humanitarian crises. Lebanon is a small country that hosts the largest number of refugees per capita in the world. With exacerbating socioeconomic conditions, exclusionary policies against refugees, and a fragmented humanitarian system, the status of older Syrian refugees (OSRs) requires special attention. This study aimed to explore OSRs' unmet needs, coping strategies, available humanitarian services, and some indicators of the humanitarian inclusion standards focusing on the shelter, health, nutrition and food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene sectors. We conducted a convergent mixed-methods study between December 2021 and March 2022 in the North and Bekaa, including a cross-sectional survey with 461 participants and 14 semi-structured interviews. Results show that OSRs lived in inappropriate shelters (cold, leaking rainwater), especially in informal tented settlements. High rent prices pushed refugee households with elderly to prioritize paying rent at the expense of other needs such as food and medication, particularly when food cash transfer is the sole source of income, jeopardizing food security and intake. Access to dignifying and accessible bathing facilities was compromised in ITSs with shared facilities. Substantial medical costs hindered OSRs access to healthcare such as surgeries. Due to the crisis, chronic medications are not always available in dispensaries for subsidized cost, pushing OSRs to non-compliance and selling food assistance to buy medications. Soaring fuel prices hindered OSRs access to heating and transportation to receive healthcare. No efforts were reported in collecting data on OSRs' needs, targeting them with information on services, or soliciting feedback for programming, especially in the absence of any age-tailored interventions. Findings shed light on the precarious living conditions of OSRs in Lebanon and add to the body of evidence documenting their invisibility to the humanitarian response. An age-inclusive response is needed through holistic, tailored, and sustainable interventions.

Indonesia as a Transit State in Handling Overseas Refugees from the Aspect of Immigration Policy

Indonesia is a key transit country for refugees in Southeast Asia, particularly for those aiming to reach Australia. Despite not having ratified the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, Indonesia continues to see an increasing number of refugees due to global geopolitical conditions. This increase is not matched by a corresponding increase in refugee absorption quotas by Convention countries. Consequently, Indonesia faces a significant challenge as the number of incoming and transiting refugees exceeds those leaving. The successful handling of Vietnamese refugees over a period of almost 25 years now seems difficult to replicate, with only 13% of foreign refugees and asylum seekers resolving their cases through resettlement or repatriation since 2004. This study aims to analyze Indonesia's immigration policies and their effectiveness in managing the current and uncertain future of foreign refugees. By examining these policies, the study seeks to understand the measures taken by the Indonesian government to address the challenges posed by its position as a transit country.

Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian refugees in Türkiye

BackgroundAlthough Türkiye (Turkey) hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, studies on food insecurity are limited. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian refugees living in Istanbul, which has the highest number of refugees in Türkiye.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees in Istanbul between September 2021 and March 2022. The main income earners of 103 households were interviewed by a research dietitian, with the assistance of an Arabic speaking interpreter through hour-long face-to-face. Data on sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, nationality, marital status, educational status, the family income, the major source of family income, and the number of family members living in the household etc.) and household food insecurity status were collected. Household food insecurity status was assessed with the eighteen-item Household Food Security Survey Module.ResultsThe household food insecurity rate was 90.3%, and those of adults and children were 88.4% and 84.8%, respectively. It was observed that family income level was significantly associated with food insecurity. A one-unit increase in monthly income increased food security by 0.02 times (p < 0.001). The number of employed refugees in the food security group was higher than that in the food insecurity group (p = 0.018). A significant difference was found in the rate of occupation type of the major income earner between the groups (p = 0.046).ConclusionsHigh rates of food insecurity, particularly severe food insecurity, were found among Syrian refugees living in Istanbul. While more research is warranted to explore the root causes and efficacy of the current support system, it requires the immediate attention of policymakers at the national and international levels to implement effective policies and interventions.

Evaluation of T. gondii, rubella, and cytomegalovirus seroprevalences among female Syrian refugees in Sanliurfa, Turkiye.

Since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, the official number of refugees under temporary protection in Turkiye is reported to be 3,522,036 in 2023. Most of the Syrians living outside the refugee camps have worse conditions in terms of access to healthcare centers and social opportunities, compared to those living in camps. The Sanliurfa province hosts the third highest number of Syrians (370,291) in Turkiye. There are no data about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella (rub), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) among Syrian refugees in Sanliurfa. We aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii, rub, and CMV infections among female Syrian refugees of reproductive age (15-49 years) living in Sanliurfa province. A cross-sectional study was conducted in different districts of Sanliurfa. A total of 460 households were selected using the probability sampling method. One married female Syrian refugee aged between 15 and 49 years, was chosen in each household, leading to a sample size of 410 female Syrian refugees. The seropositivity of T. gondii, CMV, and rub IgM and IgG in blood samples were analyzed using enzyme immunoassays (Abbott Architect, Illinois, USA). The seropositivity rates of T. gondii, CMV, and rubella IgM and IgG were 4.4% and 59.8%; 3.9%; and 99%; and 1.9%, and 99.5%, respectively. A screening program should be implemented for T. gondii, CMV, and rub infections for Syrian refugees. Seronegative women should be vaccinated against rub and educated about the transmission and preventive routes of toxoplasmosis and CMV infection.

The Fall of Afghanistan: Can the Refugee Protection Regime Handle the New Refugee Wave?

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, triggered a significant refugee crisis. By mid-2022, 2.8 million Afghan refugees were registered internationally, primarily in Pakistan and Iran, and by 2023, 4.3 million Afghans were internally displaced. Many at-risk Afghans were left behind as US-led forces withdrew. Despite resettlement efforts, many threatened by the Taliban remain excluded, as the Taliban targets former military, NGO workers, and Afghan government officials. Daily migration to Iran and Pakistan surged, with many seeking refuge through Iran to Turkey and Europe. This paper examines whether the current refugee protection mechanism can manage this influx. Using a normative legal research method, it analyzes secondary data from books, journals, reports, and documents, providing historical context on Afghan politics and displacement. It critically evaluates the international refugee protection regime, identifying gaps and shortcomings, particularly the lack of a binding responsibility-sharing mechanism. This has resulted in poorer nations hosting a disproportionate number of refugees, necessitating a commitment from the international community to address this inequity. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to improve the global response to the Afghan refugee crisis, emphasizing the need for equitable responsibility-sharing to enhance protection for Afghan refugees.

Crisis of Human Rights of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Japan

The year 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the start of Japan’s refugee recognition system. Despite being a prosperous democracy and a staunch supporter of the international system, Japan has consistently admitted only a small number of refugees. According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the number of people recognised as refugees in 2022 reached a record high of 202, while those not recognised exceeded 10,000. Furthermore, the legislative bill to revise the Immigration Control Law, passed by the House of Councillors Judicial Committee on June 8, 2023, limits applications for refugee recognition to twice in principle. From the third application onwards, there is a possibility for forced deportation to the applicants’ home countries. This legislative bill can be seen as violating the human rights of refugees and asylum-seekers, contravening international human rights law, and the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Therefore, this article specifically explores Japan’s stronger stance on control over protection, whether its low recognition rate indicates non-compliance with international refugee protection criteria, and the reasons behind this. These aspects will be methodically examined, employing rationalist, normative, and domestic institutional theories of international conformity. Finally, the article will suggest measures to improve Japan’s refugee recognition rate and enhance the protection of the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

PTSD A RYNEK PRACY – SPECYFIKA WPŁYWU SYNDROMU WOJENNEGO ORAZ TRUDNOŚCI Z JAKIMI BORYKAJĄ SIĘ DOTKNIĘCI NIM PRZEDSTAWICIELE LUDNOŚCI AKTYWNEJ ZAWODOWO

The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of the increased risk of developing PTSD on the professional lives of affected individuals and the specifics of their position in the labor market. The basis for this research is the Russian-Ukrainian war, which in 2022 grew from a local conflict to a level far surpassing the Yugoslav conflict. Such crisis events place a huge burden on the human psyche, can cause numerous mental problems, and, due to the vast number of refugees, will undoubtedly trigger migration crises. Considering the historical experience of wars and the current prospects for long-term development, the number of people with chronic disorders will only grow, which is why it is important to learn how to reintegrate people with PTSD into society in general, and into the labor market in particular. A secondary, but no less important aspect is the adaptation of the results to times and societies not affected by global traumatic crises, since PTSD, contrary to its reputation, does not only concern victims and participants of conflicts. The study analyzes and proposes recommendations both for employees identified as being in a risk group and for the direct management of such employees. The research employs literature analysis and a qualitative anonymous survey of respondents. This study focuses on the increased risk of PTSD or the diagnosis itself on the careers of individuals in the labor market, with particular emphasis on the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war. A survey conducted among diverse respondents aged 18-44 reveals trends in education and challenges in work that intensify with the level of risk. Limited use of the support program suggests the need for increased participation measures. Recommendations for individuals emphasize self-assessment, open communication, continuous education, and seeking help. Employers are advised to support open communication, consider indirect identification, raise mental health awareness, redistribute duties, and avoid direct pressure on individuals with PTSD. These recommendations aim to create a supportive environment, highlighting the necessity for further interdisciplinary research.

Parents' Awareness of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology in Poland and Ukraine.

There has been a decline in vaccine-related confidence in Ukraine over the past few years, resulting in high rates of infectious diseases. Due to the arrival of a large number of refugees in Poland following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, the risk of infectious diseases in Poland among children and adults has increased. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between parents' knowledge of the epidemiological situation of infectious diseases in Poland and Ukraine and socio-demographic factors and their attitudes towards vaccination. A cross-sectional survey study was designed. Data were collected through an online questionnaire between November 2022 and January 2023, where the inclusion criteria was having a child under 18 years of age. Study participants' stratification was based on responses to seven knowledge questions; those who answered all questions correctly were allocated to group 1, and the others to group 2 for further analysis. A total of 547 parents were included. Their median age was 34 years [IQR: 31-39]. There were 233 (42.60%) participants who answered all the knowledge questions correctly. Respondents from group 1 were older (p = 0.033), were more likely to be in favor of recommended vaccination (p = 0.040), to be vaccinated with four doses against SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.014), to have their children vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.001), and to believe that the influx of migrants from Ukraine would increase the incidence rate of infectious diseases in Poland in the future (p < 0.001). They also declared awareness of the impact of migration on the epidemiological situation in Poland (p < 0.001) more often. According to the logistic regression model, older parents (OR = 1.31, p = 0.029), those who were willing to receive additional vaccinations due to migration (OR = 4.29, p = 0.003), those who were aware of the impact of migration on the epidemiological situation (OR = 2.38, p < 0.001), and those who believed that migration would have affected the incidence rate of infectious diseases in Poland (OR = 2.28, p = 0.003) were significantly more likely to belong to group 1. However, parents who were willing to vaccinate their children with additional vaccinations due to migration were significantly less likely to answer all the questions correctly (OR = 0.21, p = 0.002). Awareness of the epidemiological situation in Poland and Ukraine among parents is related to a greater awareness of the impact of migration and the use of recommended vaccinations and those against SARS-CoV-2. Additional vaccinations should be further promoted among both Poles and migrants.

Refugees from Ukraine receiving antiretroviral therapy in destination countries and territories of the World Health Organization European Region, including EU/EEA countries, February 2022 to March 2023.

Between the start of the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and May 2023, more than 8 million individuals have been displaced from Ukraine. Ukraine has the second-largest HIV epidemic in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region. From a humanitarian and public health perspective it is critical that Ukrainian refugees living with or at risk of HIV have access to testing, treatment and healthcare in their destination country. To gain better insight on the number of refugees from Ukraine receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in destination countries, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control conducted three surveys in July 2022, November 2022 and March 2023. Among 39 countries that responded to at least one survey, 31 had information on the number of refugees from Ukraine receiving ART in their country. A total of 6,519 refugees (1.5 per 1,000 refugees) received ART, lower than previous estimates by WHO, ECDC and partners of between 0.16% and 1.0%. This discrepancy may suggest a substantial number of undiagnosed and/or diagnosed but untreated HIV infections. Improving access to healthcare for people living with HIV among refugees from Ukraine is vital to ensure quality care.

Etiology of Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ukraine according to the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Genome Sequencing Data: A Pilot Study

The COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine, from March 2020 to June 2022, witnessed distinct waves, each characterized by an increase in cases and fatalities. Next-generation sequencing has been used to understand the impact of viral variants on the pandemic situation in Ukraine. We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing data to identify viral variants circulating during each wave. By integrating epidemiological information, we established associations between viral variants and disease spread. The adoption of next-generation sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Ukraine, despite limited resources, yielded adequate and trustworthy results, reflecting the pandemic situation. After the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a large number of refugees crossed the border with neighboring countries. Mutation analysis on sequencing data from Ukraine and Poland was used to estimate the exchange of SARS-CoV-2 variants between the countries during this period. Omicron subvariants detected in both countries were similar. The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Poland and Ukraine revealed shared nucleotide mutations that can be used to identify the directions of spreading.

Rohingya Refugee in Bangladesh: An Overview from Multi-DimenSional Approaches

The Rohingya refugee crisis is not a recent phenomenon for Bangladesh rather Bangladesh has started experiencing the problems of the issue of Refugees since 1978. Presently, a large number of unregistered refugees fled from Myanmar and are living in two official camps in Nayapara and Kutupalong which have become a matter of great concern for Bangladesh. These people are simply spoiling the reputation of Bangladesh in the international arena, at the same time, becoming the security threat for Bangladesh through committing various crimes including involving themselves in terror activities, working like drug traffickers and others as well as using fake Bangladeshi passport. However, this article is a comprehensive study to understand about- “Rohingya Refugee in Bangladesh: An Overview from Multi-Dimensional Approaches”. Here, obviously tried to understand from Bangladesh perspective but also an objective study of how Bangladesh is facing challenges to deal with the crisis and also a discussion on how other powerful countries and International Organizations are working to resolve the most burning issue. Moreover, this article argues that the Rohingya crisis is no longer only a humanitarian calamity but a potential threat to Bangladesh’s internal stability.

Deficit of Trust in Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Relations: An Evaluation from a Security and Economic Perspective from 2001 to 2021

At the crossroads of Central and Southern Asia lie two Muslim neighbors i.e., Pakistan and Afghanistan. Similarities in religion, culture, ethnicity, race, and history were predicted to cement the harmonious bilateral connection between the two countries. There have been a lot of obstacles to the development of positive relations between the two republics ever since they were established. Afghanistan's alone neighbor and a key commercial partner, Pakistan and the two countries have a difficult history despite Afghanistan's reliance on Pakistan's seaports and international trade. Tense relations began with the conflicts over the Durand line and Pakhtunistan stunt supported by Afghan government and were exacerbated by subsequent events like the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the American involvement in the country after September 11, 2001. A large number of refugees fled to Pakistan as a result of these invasions, shaking up the country's politics and economy. India's involvement in Afghan politics has had a major effect on Pakistan's interests in the country and the surrounding region, especially after September 11th, when the United States attempted to offset Chinese influence in the area. India's engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan's support in the US invasion of Afghanistan are at the root of the current state of bilateral ties. Normalizing bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan may require the involvement of a third party or agreement on confidence-building measures to enhance the welfare of persons living on the other side of the Durand line and encourage amicable interactions between the two countries. Using a qualitative approach, this article investigates the causes and consequences of the current mistrust in bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on economic and security problems in the wake of 9/11.

"Nobody does checkups back there": A qualitative study of refugees' healthcare needs in the United States from stakeholders' perspectives.

The number of refugees globally grew to 35.3 million in 2022, and many refugees are exposed to various health risks along their migration journey. As a result, they may arrive in host communities with numerous health issues, including communicable diseases and chronic and mental health conditions. Navigating the healthcare system in a host country proves to be a significant challenge for them, leading to delayed care. This qualitative study explored the convolute healthcare needs of refugees in the United States by soliciting insights from stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement and healthcare. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen stakeholders who work closely with refugees, including healthcare providers, cultural/clinical health navigators supporting refugees, staff from refugee resettlement agencies and governmental entities, and researchers studying refugee health. Following informed consent, interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and imported into MAXQDA 2022 (VERBI Software) for thematic analysis. The results revealed key themes, including the heterogeneity of refugee populations, limited awareness of preventive healthcare, high prevalence and suboptimal management of chronic conditions, complexity of the healthcare system, lack of follow-up, and language barriers. Further research is warranted concerning the long-term health of refugee populations in the United States. Additionally, more tailored programs involving peer educators are recommended to support refugee communities in navigating the complex healthcare system in the host country.

THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION OF ROHINGYA REFUGEES IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH EFFECTIVE MECHANISMS: A SOCIO-LEGAL ANALYSIS

Bangladesh has been acting as a safe haven for the Rohingyas for the last four decades. They have taken shelter in Bangladesh from the persecution of the state and radical Buddhists from the neighboring country, Myanmar. 2,00,000 such Rohingya refugees came to Bangladesh in 1978. In the early 1990, another 50,000 arrived in Bangladesh because of the Myanmar military's anti-Rohingya campaign. Many of the Rohingyas who came to Bangladesh in these two phases went back to their home country, Myanmar, after spending days in various sufferings at different times. But many did not return. They are in Bangladesh. Bangladesh supports them. On August 25, 2017, the world witnessed a massive humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Uncountable people from the Rohingya community fled the violence in Rakhine State, their villages destroyed. It triggered an unprecedented influx of people crossing the border into neighboring Bangladesh. Within a few weeks, more than half a million people entered Bangladesh in search of safety and shelter. A severe humanitarian crisis was averted due to the generous support of the local Bangladeshi community and the multinational aid efforts led by the Government of Bangladesh. This large number of refugees is definitely a big burden for Bangladesh. At times, the government has to face various political pressures and security problems regarding these refugee camps. The government of Bangladesh is facing a multifaceted reality regarding these Rohingya refugees. Myanmar is reluctant to take these refugees back home. Considering the overall situation, it is very unlikely that Myanmar will take back the Rohingyas in the near future. I don't think Myanmar will take them back unless they are forced to. This problem is not going to be solved in a year or two. Myanmar's clamor for the return of refugees reinforces that belief. As mentioned at the outset, this problem for Bangladesh began four decades ago. It took almost four decades to solve this problem. However, due to the negative role of Myanmar for a long time, the problem has not been solved. In the context of Myanmar's negative role in taking back the Rohingya, it is said that the problem is long-term for Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh had hoped to send back more Rohingyas this time. But in October that year, when the Rohingya did not stop coming to Bangladesh, Bangladesh initiated talks with Myanmar to send them back. Myanmar formed a joint working group in December after signing a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh. The purpose was to coordinate the return of the Rohingyas to their state. Both sides committed to repatriate the Rohingyas to their state in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner. So far, however, no progress has been made. The two countries took the initiative to repatriate the Rohingyas in November 2018 and October 2019. Not a single Rohingya could be sent back to Myanmar through these two initiatives. Although they want to go back, the problem arises with the terms of return to their state. They want to say they will not go back to Myanmar unless the institutional discrimination against them is removed and the continuous persecution is stopped. Rohingya leaders set some preconditions for their return. These include officially recognizing that the Rohingya are a minority ethnic group in Myanmar; returning them to full citizenship; upholding the freedom of movement of the Rohingya community; and providing them with job opportunities in Rakhine State. They want a system where this is their last chance to become refugees. They don't want it to happen again. They want to return to Myanmar with full rights.