Europe's borders have been swamped by the arrival of more than three-quarters of a million asylum seekers since January; the European Union says it is expecting as many as three million more by the end of 2016.
Most are fleeing war zones such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. Others – sensing an opportunity to change not only their fortunes, but those of future generations – are leaving behind poverty-racked nations of Africa, South Asia and Central America.
Globally, some 60 million people are currently displaced from their homes, more than at any time since the Second World War. At least 3,400 have died or disappeared during their push toward Europe. The influx has strained social systems, and stirred up fresh anti-immigrant sentiment, even though many Western countries have ageing populations that badly need the injection of young workers the new arrivals could provide.
In Crossings, The Globe and Mail explores this worldwide challenge, looking at the lives of the refugees who have reached Europe, those stuck in limbo in the camps of the Middle East, and those who are still trapped in their countries of origin and trying desperately to leave – or lack the means even to make the attempt. We also examine the root causes of the mass migration, the porous nature of international borders, the smugglers who facilitate and profit from this human tide, and explore the latest data on how a country can integrate new arrivals most effectively.
The series tells the stories of refugee families in pursuit of better lives:
Also from Crossings:
- ’What they’re bringing’ Syrian refugee families stranded at airport (News)
- What Syrian refugees are bringing to Canada (News)
- Toronto school sparks cross-country movement to sponsor refugees (News)
- The strategic value of compassion: Welcoming refugees is devastating to IS (Globe Debate)
- In Montreal, Armenian teen navigates diversity of adoptive home (Globe Life)
- In Toronto, teen refugee learns English through help of new friends (Globe Life)
- From one refugee to another: What you need to know about Canada (Globe Debate)
- A life on the move: How this 13-year-old Iraqi refugee and his family are navigating life in Canada (Globe Life)
- Jeffrey Simpson: The refugee discussion is just beginning (Globe Debate, for subscribers)
- How this innovative temporary tent design could change the way refugees live (Globe Life)
- Finding a safe place to call home in Toronto after fleeing Hungary (Globe Life)
- Syrian refugee finds ‘home is wherever my family will be’ after a life in exile (Globe Life)
- However Canada takes in 25,000 people, military must be at the centre of the effort (Globe Debate)
- How to help Syrians: Boost military support, reject arbitrary resettlement dates (Globe Debate)
- Settling in Toronto, teen refugee takes comfort in mom’s home cooking (Globe Life)
- In Montreal, refugee finds sense of home through food (Globe Life)
- Why young immigrants aren’t giving up cultural foods for burgers and fries (Globe Life)
- Even after Paris – especially after Paris: Bringing refugees to Canada must be done well, not fast (Globe Debate)
- Fleeing Syria, teen refugee slowly making Montreal feel like home (Globe Life)
- A trip to Montreal gave this teen a chance to connect with other refugees (Globe Life)
- Private sponsors build a nation – and leave a legacy (Globe Debate)
- Refugee sponsorship program a chance to turn generosity into happiness (Globe Life)
Finally, a selection of features and resources from earlier this year: