Temporary Protection Research Articles

‘A knife with two sides’: naturalization and the ambivalent value of citizenship for Syrians in Turkey

ABSTRACT Different legal citizenships and passports are associated with different sets of status, rights and identities. Through naturalization into a higher-value citizenship, former migrants can improve economic opportunities, transnational mobility, and ease relationships. Building on growing research that questions the migrant-citizen binary, this paper asks how citizenship matters in practice through an exploration of naturalization amongst displaced Syrians in Turkey. Drawing on qualitative research with Syrians, some of whom held temporary protection status while others had naturalized, the paper argues that the rights and status associated with Turkish citizenship are ambivalent, simultaneously beneficial and costly. Naturalization provided some economic and social rights and spatial mobility compared to temporary protection status. But Turkish citizenship also reinforced class-based distinctions and racial discrimination, and shaped new forms of exclusion: Syrians forewent certain mobility and economic strategies that they accessed as refugees. The paper argues to conceive naturalization as a technology of territorialization that fixes people onto a certain territory and forces migrants to make difficult choices when negotiating state practices of bordering and mobility control. Paying attention to the simultaneously mobilizing and territorializing effects of naturalization helps to question linear assumptions of citizenship and status hierarchies.

Trends in the health status of Ukrainian refugees in Norway according to month of arrival during 2022.

More than 35 000 refugees from Ukraine applied for temporary collective protection in Norway during 2022. Previous studies have shown that the refugees have poor health in several domains, and crude reports have suggested that those fleeing Ukraine at later stages have even poorer health. However, more systematic knowledge is lacking. This study aimed to analyse trends in self-reported health in a sample of adult refugees from Ukraine, by month of arrival to Norway during 2022. Data were collected via an online, digital questionnaire, in a cross-sectional study design between 28.10.22-31.01.23. Recruitment was via multiple physical and social media contact points, including asylum reception centres, municipalities, non-profit organisations, and Facebook groups for refugees in Norway. The survey included the following self-reported health outcomes: overall health, oral health, presence of long-term illnesses or disabilities, and a short version of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-5). Among the 727 respondents, 82% were female, 65% were aged 30-49 years, 69% had higher education and 53% were responsible for children in Norway. There were 383 respondents who arrived between February-April (T1), 200 between May-August (T2) and 144 between September-December (T3). Compared to T1, respondents who arrived in the two later time periods were more often male, had younger age distributions, and were less likely to have completed higher education. The proportions of respondents reporting poor/very poor overall health, presence of long-term illnesses and long-term disabilities were highest in T3. Oral health and HSCL-5 showed the opposite trend, with lower proportions reporting poorer health among respondents in both later periods. Respondents in T3 were still more likely to report poor/very poor health and long-term illnesses after adjusting for sex, age group and education (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.71 [95%CI 1.51-4.89]) and 1.74 [1.14-2.65], respectively). Respondents who arrived later in 2022 generally reported poorer long-term health, but less psychological distress than those who arrived earlier in the year. These findings may help inform the planning of health services for refugees from Ukraine, especially in areas receiving large numbers of refugees.

International and temporary protection in EU law: legal frameworks and challenges of practical implementation

The article analyzes the legal foundations for the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the context of the European Union (EU) and Ukraine. The focus is on international and European legal instruments that regulate refugee status and provide temporary protection to individuals affected by armed conflicts. The article particularly examines the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) and the Qualification Directive (2011/95/EU) and the Asylum Procedures Directive (2013/32/EU), which harmonize refugee protection across Member States and ensure consistency in asylum procedures establishing legal frameworks for granting protection to those fleeing war, especially in the context of russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The urgency of this article is highlighted by the war in Ukraine, which has led to unprecedented displacement in Europe, testing the capacities of EU Member States and exposing both strengths and gaps in existing legal frameworks. The paper also addresses the evolving nature of international refugee protection and its alignment with human rights doctrines, offering a comprehensive analysis of how international and regional legal standards interact in practice. This article explores how international frameworks for refugee protection, particularly the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, have been incorporated into the European Union’s legal system. These international instruments define the rights of refugees and the obligations of states, especially regarding the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to countries where their lives or freedom may be at risk. In the EU, these frameworks are primarily integrated through the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and it’s key component - the Qualification Directive (2011/95/EU), which aligns EU law with international standards on refugee protection. The study emphasizes the importance of procedural safeguards, including fair and transparent asylum processes and special protections for vulnerable groups. In addition, the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) plays a key role in addressing mass displacement, offering immediate protection in situations of crisis. This directive was activated for the first time in 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine, providing a coordinated EU-wide approach to managing the influx of displaced Ukrainians and preventing the collapse of national asylum systems. The article also discusses the legal challenges and issues that the EU and Ukraine face in providing protection and support to refugees and IDPs. The research underscores the importance of coordination between the EU and Ukraine’s legal systems to ensure proper protection for asylum seekers. An essential aspect is the harmonization of approaches and the improvement of the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in response to current global migration challenges. The findings emphasize the need for continued legal collaboration between the parties to create a more comprehensive and consistent system for refugee protection.

Temporary protection, refugee fatigue and political discontent in European Union cities of refuge

Experience with the recent activation of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) in the European Union has demonstrated its virtues as an emergency policy response to mass influx situations. However, in the absence of a long-term strategy to alleviate pressure, there is a risk that a sense of fatigue will emerge and intensify in cities of refuge, with this commentary presenting prima facie evidence of this issue. To mitigate the potential effect that refugee fatigue might have in terms of political discontent, we advocate a new temporary protection approach that embraces a genuine multi-level governance that recognises cities as key actors in refugee reception. The paradigm shift should prioritise cities when allocating funds to build reception capacity, as well as acknowledge the urgency of city-led relocation initiatives to alleviate the strain on overburdened cities. Finally, this commentary suggests the need to address one of the main drivers of fatigue: the uncertainty regarding the future for millions of Ukrainians once the TPD expires.

Pharmacologic or genetic interference with atrogene signaling protects against glucocorticoid-induced musculoskeletal and cardiac disease.

Despite their beneficial actions as immunosuppressants, glucocorticoids (GC) have devastating effects on the musculoskeletal and cardiac systems, as long-term treated patients exhibit high incidence of falls, bone fractures, and cardiovascular events. Herein, we show that GC upregulate simultaneously in bone, skeletal muscle, and the heart the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases (atrogenes), known to stimulate the proteasomal degradation of proteins. Activation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling with the VDR ligands calcitriol or eldecalcitol prevented GC-induced atrogene upregulation in vivo and ex vivo in bone/muscle organ cultures and preserved tissue structure/mass and function of the 3 tissues in vivo. Direct pharmacologic inhibition of the proteasome with carfilzomib also conferred musculoskeletal protection. Genetic loss of the atrogene MuRF1-mediated protein ubiquitination in ΔRING mice afforded temporary or sustained protection from GC excess in bone or skeletal and heart muscle. We concluded that the atrogene pathway downstream of MuRF1 underlies GC action in bone, muscle, and the heart, and it can be pharmacologically or genetically targeted to confer protection against the damaging actions of GC simultaneously in the 3 tissues.

Female, Deserving, and European? The Changing EUropean Migration Discourse in the Face of the Russia–Ukraine War

AbstractThe initial response of the European Union (EU) to people fleeing Ukraine was unusually univocal and welcoming, culminating in the swift activation of the Temporary Protection Directive. This predominantly humanitarian response represents a special case and an outlier in terms of how the EU and its member states have responded to previous displacements. This paper explores the discursive construction that made this response possible, by looking at how forced migration from Ukraine has been characterised in the EUropean political discourses. Drawing on discourse theory and critical migration studies, we assume that the discourse is marked by differences drawn along the lines of “race,” “gender,” and “distance,” which are linked to ideas about national identity and European values. In order to reflect the multilevel European discourse, we reconstruct the political discourse on the EU level as well as in two diverse cases, Poland and Germany. Our findings suggest that despite national differences and the presence of well-established tropes of deservingness, the EUropean discourse is not only based on ideas surrounding vulnerability of the Ukrainian Other and the European Self but is also influenced by the perception of the threatening Russian Other. Especially in Poland, welcoming refugees from Ukraine is linked to security concerns, while the EU and German discourses stress the role of European values and solidarity. Thus, the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees should be seen as part of the overall European response to Russian aggression and not as a departure from its previous stance on migration.

Assessment of childhood vaccination hesitancy among syrian parents under temporary protection

Background and AimVaccination programs become increasingly crucial during migratory movements driven by conflict and other disruptions. This study aims to determine the prevalence of childhood vaccination hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection and identify areas for targeted interventions.MethodA total of 227 Syrian parents attending three Immigrant Health Centers in Sultangazi were assessed using the Arabic version of the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey, conducted between October and December 2023.ResultsThe prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among these parents was found to be 10.6%. An inverse correlation was observed between maternal education level and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that higher education levels were associated with lower levels of hesitancy.ConclusionThe observed rate of vaccine hesitancy among Syrian parents under temporary protection underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. Tailored vaccination strategies for immigrant populations are essential to improve immunization rates and ensure the health and well-being of these communities.

Access to Education of Syrians under Temporary Protection in the Changing and Developing Turkish Education System: Barriers and Suggestions

The Turkish education system adopts an inclusive approach for individuals from different cultures. However, Syrian children face various barriers such as language barriers, economic difficulties, social cohesion and cultural differences. Language barriers make it difficult for Syrian children, especially those who speak Arabic, to adapt to the Turkish education system. Economic difficulties make it difficult for families to send their children to school, while cultural differences and social cohesion problems make it difficult for children to be socially accepted in schools. This article addresses the issue of access to education for Syrian children under temporary protection in Türkiye. In the article, the general development and change of the Turkish education system is explained and the difficulties faced by Syrians under temporary protection in the education process and the solutions to these difficulties are analysed. These suggestions include the development of language education programs, improvement of legal regulations and policies, reduction of education costs and awareness raising activities to increase social cohesion and cultural sensitivity. It is also emphasised that more comprehensive and sustainable policies should be implemented to support the integration of Syrian children into the Turkish education system. It is considered that the Learning and Adaptation Together Program (LEAP) proposed by us will accelerate the access of Syrians under temporary protection to education and contribute to social cohesion.

Determinants of health among Ukrainian refugees in Germany: comparison with other refugee groups

Abstract Background 6.5 million Ukrainian refugees have been displaced globally since 2022, with 1 million seeking asylum in Germany. Little is known about the health determinants for this group, limiting the evidence base for policy intervention. Methods We use a nationally representative survey of adult Ukrainian refugees in Germany (IAB-BiB/FReDA-BAMF-SOEP study; n = 5943), conducted in 2023, to analyse the effect of sociodemographic, pre-migration (experienced war intensity, traumatic experiences) and post-migration factors (time since arrival, accommodation, social networks) on self-rated health using multiple logistic regression. We contrast these findings with estimates of identical models obtained from a subset of the IAB-BAMF-SOEP-sample of non-Ukrainian refugees within one year of arrival (n = 1195). Results In the Ukrainian sample, post-migration factors are particularly critical for health, with those experiencing discrimination (OR 1.83; 95%CI: 1.51,2.21) and social isolation (OR: 2.70; 95%CI: 2.23, 3.28) affected by ill health, while those with high German proficiency (OR 0.34; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.64) and contact with Germans (OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.53,0.83) are protected. Pre-migration factors do not affect self-rated health. Among refugees from other countries of origin, post-migration factors are not associated with health within the first year of arrival, with exception of social isolation (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.32,3.13). Discussion Despite the EU Temporary Protection Directive, the health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is shaped by adverse post-migration circumstances. While other refugee groups may have had riskier escape journeys and worse arrival conditions, this is unrelated to self-rated health in the first year. This underscores the importance of considering pre-migration contexts when evaluating subjective health. Outreach services, communication campaigns and the expansion of medical interpreting services are needed to ensure access to the health system. Key messages • Despite the EU Temporary Protection Directive, the health of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is shaped by adverse post-migration circumstances. • Outreach services, communication campaigns and the expansion of medical interpreting services are needed to ensure access to the health system.

An ideology of deserving: A historical analysis of the United States' immigration policies governing forced migration and social welfare

AbstractLegislation governs both the admittance and treatment of forced migrants in the United States. Increasingly, many forced migrants are offered few welfare benefits, temporary protection, and no pathway to permanent residency. This paper explores forced migrants' legal categories and access to social welfare, focusing on five humanitarian protection statuses: Temporary Protected Status, Humanitarian Parole, Asylum Seeker, Refugee, and Asylee. Based on the concepts of welfare nationalism and the Protestant Work Ethic, our historical analysis examines the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 to see how this landmark legislation shaped access to welfare for noncitizens. We then focus on the emergence of humanitarian statuses since the 1950s and the legislation that constructed them. We conclude that immigration legislation governing forced migrants underlies an ideology of deserving, where some are treated as more meritorious than others. Thus, we call for welfare scholars to elevate immigration status as a key category in their research.

Nurses' strategies for coping with stress in the face of the influx of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland.

Russian military's incursion into Ukraine sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. As Ukraine's neighboring country, Poland became the primary destination for these refugees. Ukrainians staying in Poland under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive receive humanitarian support similarly to asylum seekers, but the legal pathways, length of stay and integration processes differ significantly as the Directive provides for more immediate, collective protection without the complexity of individual asylum applications. The influx of war refugees generates extremely complex situations that health personnel, especially nurses, must face on a daily basis. Identify whether and to what extent the emergence of a large number of patients with war-related experiences constituted a source of stress for nurses, and how Polish nurses coped with this issue. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2022 in Białystok, Poland. It included 473 certified nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the District Chamber of Nurses in Białystok. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and Mini-COPE inventory (Polish version of Carver'a BriefCOPE inventory were used in the study. The average stress level among nurses was moderate, with nearly equal proportions of nurses experiencing low, medium, and high stress levels. Nurses who had contact with refugees in the last six months and/or helped them, did not present an increased level of stress - on the contrary, this level was lower. Nurses who helped refugees at work more often used a planning strategy in stressful situations, and less frequently reacted to stress using humour, religion, denial or venting. The greater workload and more frequent contacts between Polish nurses and Ukrainian war refugees were a factor increasing work fatigue, but, paradoxically, at the same time reducing the level of stress in a situation giving the feeling of a duty well fulfilled. Empowering nurses through greater autonomy and fostering supportive work environments, especially in crisis situations like the care of war refugees has a positive impact on coping with stress.

Демографічні аспекти вимушеної міграції українців до Чеської Республіки після російського повномасштабного вторгнення

The paper examines the scale and dynamics of Ukrainian forced migration to the Czech Republic following the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the demographic characteristics of Ukrainian war migrants, and the impact of this migration wave on the demographic situation in the Czech Republic. The study aimed to analyze the specific features of migration caused by the full-scale war, its reflection in demographic statistics, and to define the demographic profile of Ukrainian war migration to the Czech Republic. The research utilized statistical data provided by the Czech Statistical Office (Český statistický úřad) and applied methods of systematization and generalization, structural-logical and comparative analysis, statistical methods of structure and dynamics analysis, graphical data representation, and others. This type of study regarding Ukrainian war migrants to the Czech Republic has been conducted for the first time. Among European countries, the Czech Republic ranks third in the number of forced migrants from Ukraine, accumulating 8.4 % of the total number of Ukrainian war migrants in the European Union. It was found that the reflection of this migration wave in demographic statistics is influenced by organizational and accounting circumstances, such as the terms and procedures for extending temporary protection for war migrants, and the lack of specific “markers” in the statistics of demographic events for persons under temporary protection. Ukrainian war migration in the year of the Russian full-scale invasion led to a record increase in positive migration balance in the Czech Republic and increase in the share of individuals with Ukrainian citizenship in this country. The forced war migration wave in 2022 affected the demographic composition of both individuals with Ukrainian citizenship and the entire population of the Czech Republic through an increased share of women, who predominate among war migrants, and a slight slowdown in ageing and an increase in the share of the working-age population for two consecutive years. Among Ukrainians under temporary protection in the Czech Republic, there is a particularly high share of women aged 35 to 45 and boys aged 17—18, and also high proportion of children aged 10 to 14. During the years of the full-scale war, the number of marriages registered between Ukrainians in the Czech Republic has increased. In 2022—2023, due to the wave of war migration, the number of newborns with Ukrainian citizenship in the Czech Republic significantly increased, and their share in the total number of births among foreigners rose (by almost 30 percentage points in two years), although the total fertility rate of Ukrainian women was noticeably lower than the national average. The number of deaths among individuals with Ukrainian citizenship also increased due to the influx of war migrants, but this had a negligible impact on the level of mortality.

Socio-economic consequences for Central Europe related to the mass migration of Ukrainian citizens after Russia's full-scale invasion

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused displacement on a scale not seen since the Second World War. More than 6.5 million refugees from Ukraine have been registered worldwide (as of 16 May 2024), and more than 4.2 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in the EU. Most of them found shelter in Poland and Germany. These countries have received an influx of migrants that corresponds to the logic of their demographic development. Ukrainians are almost an ideal demographic resource for Central Europe. In August 2023, only one person in three wanted to return to Ukraine. If the Ukrainian refugees are properly adapted, they will provide additional development impulses to the countries where they reside.

Analysing the Socio-Economic Adjustment of Syrians under Temporary Protection: The Case of Ankara

The socio-economic adjustment of Syrians residing in Ulubey, Alemdağ, and Önder neighbourhoods in the Altındağ district of Ankara is the subject of this study. The study aims to examine the factors affecting the socio-economic adjustment of Syrians under temporary protection and the impact of the economic adjustment process on the social adjustment process within the framework of a mixed research method. The findings reveal that Syrian participants' legal and economic problems in the economic adjustment process affect their social adjustment process. The study is thought to shed light on the solution to these problems by providing scientific data based on the field research findings on Syrians' socio-economic adjustment process and adjustment problems.

Problems of enforcement of court decisions on recovery of spousal maintenance abroad: legal and practical obstacles

The article deals with the problems of recognition and enforcement of Ukrainian court decisions on recovery of spousal maintenance in foreign countries. The author emphasises that the current conditions associated with the introduction of martial law in Ukraine have brought new challenges to family legal relations which require further research in order to provide proposals for their solution. The author substantiates that the stay of the payer of spousal maintenance abroad makes the issue of proper fulfilment of his/her obligation particularly relevant in modern conditions. The author examines international conventions relating to the enforcement of the obligation to pay alimony in foreign countries. It is established that despite the existence of the conventions studied, there are difficulties in the enforcement of court decisions. The author examines the peculiarities of recognition and enforcement of a court decision on the recovery of alimony in a foreign country and the problems that may arise for plaintiffs. The author establishes that despite the legal force of a court judgment in Ukraine, it cannot be automatically enforced in a foreign country without prior recognition. Attention is paid to the problem of impossibility of recognition for enforcement of a Ukrainian court judgment in a foreign country in case of improper notification of the defendant of the court proceedings. The author highlights the problem of proper service and notification of the defendant located abroad of the proceedings and the grounds for the claim, which significantly affects the consideration of the case within a reasonable time and further enforcement of the court decision. The author establishes that notification of the defendant of the commencement of litigation in Ukraine depends on cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign authorised bodies, which affects the efficiency of the enforcement of a court decision. The author focuses on the problem of searching for a defendant in a foreign country and the possibility of enforcement of a court decision on recovery of spousal maintenance. Attention is drawn to the problem of enforcement of a court decision on the recovery of spousal maintenance from persons who have been granted refugee status or from persons in need of temporary protection in foreign countries. The author argues that further research should be aimed at finding and solving problems related to the enforcement of national court decisions in foreign countries.

A Comparative Study on Social Perceptions Towards Syrians Living in Şanlıurfa and Ankara

This study examines the social perceptions of Syrians under temporary protection in the Turkish cities of Şanlıurfa and Ankara, which host significant Syrian populations. Şanlıurfa, with approximately 273,000 Syrians, and Ankara, with around 90,000, were selected due to their differing cultural, linguistic, and geographical contexts. Using a quantitative research method, data were collected from 500 participants—300 from Şanlıurfa and 200 from Ankara—through 400 face-to-face interviews and 100 telephone surveys. The survey, consisting of 28 five-point Likert scale questions, aimed to capture the local population’s attitudes toward the integration of Syrians, focusing on aspects such as education, cultural proximity, and forced repatriation. The findings revealed significant regional differences. In Şanlıurfa, societal acceptance of Syrians was largely influenced by religious, ethnic, and cultural proximity, particularly regarding access to education. In contrast, respondents in Ankara demonstrated a more negative attitude toward these factors. Furthermore, a clear divide emerged in views on the forced return of Syrians, with Şanlıurfa showing higher tolerance and Ankara favoring repatriation under certain conditions. These results underscore the importance of localized studies in understanding the nuanced public perceptions of refugee communities

Social inclusion gone wrong: the divisive implementation of the Temporary Protection Directive in Ireland

There were 96,338 Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) given to people from Ukraine who arrived in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) before October 2023. From the end of 2022 into 2023, there was also a rapid rise of far-right anti-refugee rhetoric in Ireland. We analysed how TPD policy, the Irish political discourse around it and its implementation through national institutions and local communities affected TPD beneficiaries and other groups in Ireland. This study used a combination of qualitative analysis of a governmental debate on the housing needs of TPD beneficiaries and ethnographic observations gathered while the authors worked to support the needs of TPD beneficiaries. We provide an explanation of how the TPD implementation in Ireland resulted in the social exclusion of its beneficiaries despite aiming for streamlined integration. In addition, the shortcomings in the TPD implementation had negative effects on different groups within Irish society. We use the 3N model—Narratives, Networks, and Needs to explain how the data and trends that we documented at different levels of analysis—national, intergroup and intragroup, and individual—were interconnected. This paper is focused on the first of the three studies in the ongoing research project and primarily addresses the Narratives (i.e., policy and its implementation, political discourse) while connecting them with some observed social inclusion/exclusion outcomes on the Networks and Needs dimensions. We explain how political Narratives influenced TPD implementation and the different actors involved in this process: public service providers, the general public, and TPD beneficiaries in Ireland. The uncoordinated implementation of accommodation provision led to serious disruptions of TPD beneficiaries' Networks. This hindered individuals' access to services which resulted in individual Needs remaining unmet. We also documented how racialised elements underlying the EU TPD contributed to exclusionary mechanisms within the TPD implementation in Ireland and how that created a double standard in service provision.

IMMIGRATION AS A SERIOUS LEGAL PROBLEM IN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Republic of North Macedonia, as the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, plays an important role in the transit of people, goods and services. Taking advantage of this position represents a great challenge. A recent example for this is the immigration crisis and activation of immigration transit routes. The legislation of the Republic of North Macedonia, especially the Law on Asylum and temporary protection is regulating all issues that outcome from the crisis. The law is balanced with international norms based on procedures of gaining and abolition of the right to asylum and subsidiary protection, as well as determining rights and obligations that outcome from the acquired status. This work is elaborating the main characteristics of the compliance process of Republic of North Macedonia regulations with the European Union in the context of immigration. During the research, were used all documents and legal correspondence between the European Union and the Republic of North Macedonia. The objective of this work is to present the progress and difficulties during the compliance process of the regulations of the Republic of North Macedonia with the EU, with the aim to provide direct conclusions about improvement of certain regulations.

Inhabiting temporariness: the agency-in-waiting of Eritrean refugees in the city

Protracted displacement turns what should be a temporary protection status, asylum, into a long-term process that defines the existence of millions of people. The unresolved causes of displacement, a flawed asylum system and restrictive refugee policies all force refugees to inhabit a state of temporariness in cities. We discuss the unfulfilled potential of Eritrean refugees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and show how urban migration becomes part of a waiting game on a journey towards the realization of this potential. Using Brun’s concept of agency-in-waiting, we illustrate how Eritrean refugees use their agency in cities, finding ways to remain hopeful, circumvent restrictions and prepare for unpredictable futures. Our findings challenge the dominant discourse on Addis Ababa as a transit space where Eritreans remain inactive and unproductive, idly waiting for resettlement. Rather, they work towards their ultimate goal – to establish a secure life with full rights, wherever this might be.

Demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Ukrainian war refugees with HIV infection in the Slovak Republic

BackgroundThe Slovak Republic, an Eastern European country, borders Ukraine, which has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in Europe. This study aims to inform readers about the demographic characteristics of Ukrainian war refugees with HIV/AIDS seeking temporary protection status in Slovakia due to the Russian invasion of February 24, 2022. It focuses on their epidemiology, immunological profiles, co-infections, and treatment. DesignMulticenter, retrospective study between March 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. MethodsData were collected from all Ukrainian patients with refugee status living with HIV or newly diagnosed, who presented to any of the five HIV/AIDS centers in Slovakia. Information was obtained through medical interviews, physical examinations, laboratory tests and medical reports from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. ResultsFrom March 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, 141 Ukrainian refugees were included, mostly women (56.7 %, n = 80), with a median age of 41 years. The median CD4+ count was 680 cells/mL; 69.2 % (n = 97) had a viral load below 40 copies/mL. On arrival, 87.8 % (n = 123) were on ART, 90.2 % (n = 111) on dolutegravir. Coinfections included hepatitis C (31 %, n = 41), hepatitis B (12.5 %, n = 17), and tuberculosis (11.3 %, n = 16). Three died from AIDS complications. ConclusionThe study provides a detailed overview of the epidemiological, demographic, immunological, co-infection, and treatment characteristics of Ukrainian PLWHA displaced by the war to the Slovak republic. With the conflict ongoing, it is necessary to be prepared for more refugees in the coming months.