How the Refugee Crisis Became Invisible

Problems that go unresolved for months on end become the new normal, and the media spotlight can fade. Refugees continue to flee fighting and violence in Syria and other countries. Total numbers may be down, with Turkey stemming migrant flows, but infrastructure is strained. Refugees are in limbo – stuck in temporary camps not intended for years on end. “Inside the camps, reports of overcrowding, poor hygiene, illness, violence, trafficking and drugs are on the rise,” explains Yiannis Baboulias for New Statesman, adding that the desperation increases trafficking, prostitution and substance abuse. “Meanwhile, deportations back to Τurkey have effectively stopped because of the political insecurity and terrorist attacks there, despite the fact it is still deemed a ‘safe third country.’” The EU may seek a deal with Libya to contain the flows of refugees similar to the one with Turkey. Baboulias warns that, while Europe may assume it has contained the crisis, the problems are just beginning. – YaleGlobal