Latest news with #displacement
BBC News
8 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Ukrainian refugee in Wells supporting other displaced people
A women who fled Ukraine three years ago said she is helping to support other displaced people feel welcome in the Prykhodko moved to Wells in Somerset in 2022 as part of the homes for Ukraine programme and now teaches English to other has been speaking at a new exhibition for World Refugee Day at Wells Cathedral, describing what it is like to be as a displaced Prykhodko told BBC Radio Somerset: "I was trying to start my life from scratch but I also wanted to help others to navigate a new country as I knew the English language. It's been very rewarding." She said: "When I came here to Wells, my life has changed considerably and trying to help others has helped ease that pain of fleeing my home country. "The UK and Ukraine life is really similar but the cuisine is quite different."Sunday Roast is something we don't have in Ukraine and that's such a wonderful tradition with spending time with family and eating amazing food." She now works with the Wells Welcome Hub which aims to create a safe space for anyone who is Prykhodko said: "We try to promote British values through volunteering and participating in events. It's about getting them into the community."I want to show people that are displaced that learning a new language and integrating with the local community can be so beneficial."
LBCI
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- LBCI
TikTok turns Iran-Israel war into viral trend as young people document conflict online
Report by Ghida Fayad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar As the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, its impact is no longer confined to the battlefield. On platforms like TikTok, the war has taken on a new dimension—becoming a source of viral content for a generation that documents everything in real time. Despite government warnings in both countries against filming and posting during wartime, social media is flooded with firsthand footage. In Israel and Iran, civilians are using their phones to turn life under fire into daily vlogs, offering raw, often unsettling views of missile strikes, shelter conditions, and scenes of displacement. Many of these clips show the kind of destruction and fear that traditional media rarely captures. Some videos circulating from Israel depict moments when foreign workers and others were denied access to bomb shelters due to overcrowding. From Iran, others show families fleeing targeted areas, giving viewers an unfiltered look at life during wartime. The trend is not limited to the countries directly involved. In Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria—countries over which many of the missiles pass—audiences have begun tracking the timing of Iranian strikes. In some areas, the sight of missiles overhead has become a daily event. In Lebanon, the experience has taken on an almost surreal tone. Many residents, witnessing the conflict from a distance, have described it as the first time they feel like spectators to a war unfolding around them. Videos of missiles streaking across the night sky have appeared above rooftop parties and bustling nightlife scenes. Some restaurants and bars even leaned into the moment, adding menu items jokingly labeled 'sky missiles view,' referring to the view of incoming rockets from their outdoor terraces. Across cities from Beirut to Damascus, Baghdad, and Amman, social media users have begun incorporating war footage into romantic or stylized posts—using missile imagery in videos to express affection or flirtation. The online phenomenon underscores a generational shift in how wars are witnessed and narrated.
Khaleej Times
18 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
'Nowhere to go': Dubai Marina fire victims told to vacate temporary shelters
Nearly 350 residents displaced by last week's fire at Marina Pinnacle Tower are now facing a second crisis. After losing their homes, they've been asked to vacate their temporary shelters by noon on Friday, June 20, with no alternative arrangements in place. Fire-affected tenants staying in at least three buildings, Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3, Samaya Hotel in Deira, and Millennium Al Barsha, said they received notices under their doors on Wednesday evening, informing them they would have to leave. 'We would like to remind you that your last day of stay will be June 20, 2025, with checkout time at 12noon,' read a letter from the Bunat Al Mustaqbil Owners Association, which manages Marina Pinnacle Tower, also known as Tiger Tower, the building affected by the fire. Residents also received an e-mail on June 18 stating that temporary accommodation was arranged 'for a period of five days starting from the date of the fire incident' and added, 'There are currently no accommodations available beyond that period.' The message, sent from the association's customer care team, concluded with an offer of 'further assistance.' Khaleej Times could not reach the building management for comment. Residents say they have asked for more time but have yet to receive a response. On Thursday evening, when this reporter visited Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3 and witnessed scenes of unease and exhaustion. In the lobby, families were sorting through donated clothes and essentials while others sat quite. Many residents said they were reluctant even to step outside, worried that their access cards might be deactivated while they were away. Some of the victims declined to be photographed, citing concerns that their families back home were unaware of their situation, or for other personal reasons. Among them was Farida Farah, a Russian businesswoman, who said she had been separated from her wheelchair-bound husband, who requires dialysis every few days. 'He's in Samaya Deira and I've been put here (Wadi Al Safa 3),' she said. 'He can't manage on his own. How can they separate families like this?' Rafael Torres, an American who had lived on the 27th floor of Marina Pinnacle for 13 years, said the eviction notice added insult to injury. 'We still haven't processed what happened, and now this. We're being told to leave like we were never here.' Dr Mohammad, an Iranian doctor who rented a two-bedroom apartment in the tower for Dh120,000, said he had flown his 75-year-old mother into Dubai just days before the fire. Now, both are sharing a small hotel room. 'We're still dealing with the trauma of the fire. And now we're being pushed out again without even a plan.' Aiman, a Pakistani housewife who lived on the 32nd floor, said she was alone when the fire broke out, as her husband was abroad. 'I barely made it out,' she said. 'He's back now, but we're both afraid. We don't leave the room fearing they'll lock us out.' Aman and her friend Mysa, both from Algeria, said their lives had been completely upended. 'We're not going anywhere,' said Mysa. 'We have nowhere else to go.' Aman added, 'They could have at least spoken to us. Instead, they just slid a letter under the door.' At Samaya Deira, a Moroccan woman said she was bracing for the worst. 'We're all just waiting. But waiting for what, nobody knows.' Nancy, a long-time Dubai resident from Congo, said she wasn't asking for charity. 'We're not asking for the moon. Just a few more days. Let us find our footing.' CP, a British expat who has been helping coordinate relief efforts through WhatsApp support groups, said the community has stepped in where it could, but it's no longer enough. 'People need shelter. We're doing our best, but we're stretched thin.' MZ, who is currently housed at Millennium Al Barsha, was visiting friends at Samaya Al Safa. 'It's the same situation at our accommodation, people living out of suitcases, relying on donated meals and essentials, and uncertain about tomorrow.' One Indian resident said that when he called his telecom provider to cancel his service after the fire, they waived the early termination fee after hearing he lived in Marina Pinnacle. 'That's what empathy looks like,' he said. 'We haven't seen anything like that from the building management.' Another Indian woman shared how her child's school, Gems New Millennium, stepped in to help. 'They sent study materials and even arranged transport so she wouldn't miss classes.' According to residents, Samaya Al Safa is housing around 100 fire victims across 35 rooms, while Millennium Al Barsha has a similar number spread over 43 rooms. Nearly 100 more are staying at Samaya Deira, with additional residents also accommodated at Nobles Tower in Business Bay. Tenants housed in Nobles Tower has also been served notices to vacate the temporary accommodation. The Dubai Media Office earlier confirmed that all 3,820 residents from the 764 apartments in the 67-storey building were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported. The fire, which broke out around 9.30pm on June 13, was brought under control within six hours. But for many of those survivors, the ordeal is far from over.
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Safe spaces transform lives of displaced women in war torn Sudan
Since the outbreak of conflict on 15 April 2023, Sudan has witnessed one of the world's fastest-growing displacement crises. Over 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes as of 16 June 2025, including more than 2 million women and girls, many of whom are now living in overcrowded shelters or with host communities across the country. In Gadaref State, hundreds of thousands have sought refuge, placing immense pressure on services and resources—particularly for women facing heightened protection risks. When the war broke out, 35-year-old Marwa—not her real name—left Khartoum to seek refuge and safety. Like many internally displaced persons (IDPs), she found herself in Hay Al-Malik, a densely populated neighborhood in the heart of Gadaref State, sheltering thousands of displaced people by the ongoing conflict. Here, IDPs and host community members live side-by-side, often sharing houses due to soaring rents and limited resources. Marwa's early days were marked by intense psychological stress. Living with more than ten people in a small house without privacy, especially for women, left her feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Cultural differences deepened her sense of displacement, and she struggled to adapt. 'I rarely left the house or spoke to other women,' she shared. 'I didn't know how to adjust or where to turn.' A turning point came when Marwa heard about a new women's safe space established by Hope and Friendship for Development Organization (HOPE), in partnership with UN Women, and supported by the Government of Japan. Encouraged by outreach efforts in the community, she visited the Al-Malik Safe Space and immediately felt a sense of belonging. It was a space created by and for women—a place to talk, share, heal, and grow. With each visit, Marwa's confidence grew. She joined a life skills training and received psychosocial support that helped her regain emotional balance. She also participated in awareness sessions on harmful traditional practices, gaining tools to inform and uplift others. Over time, she became actively involved in managing activities alongside social workers, transforming herself from a participant into a leader. 'From the first day, I felt that this space belonged to us,' she said. 'It's our duty to protect it and keep it going.' Now, Marwa supports other displaced women and girls in accessing the safe space and envisions expanding it further. She emphasizes the need to include children, especially those with special needs, in future programming. She also expresses a strong desire to help sustain the space beyond the program's timeline, working with other women to preserve what they've built together. Marwa's story illustrates how access to a safe, inclusive space—combined with psychosocial and life skills support—can plant the seeds for long-term empowerment and resilience. With continued support from the Government of Japan and implementing partners, women like Marwa are not only rebuilding their own lives but helping others do the same. *Marwa's name has been changed to protect her privacy Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Judge dismisses Poppleton resident's lawsuit against Baltimore City, property developer
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by residents of Baltimore's Poppleton community, ruling they cannot sue a New York-based developer and Baltimore City officials over a stalled redevelopment project that has displaced more than 100 households over two decades, according to The Baltimore Banner. U.S. District Court Judge Adam B. Abelson dismissed the case, ruling that the residents who filed the lawsuit do not have legal standing because they don't live within La Cité Development's project footprint. The decision allows La Cité Development to retain control of much of the vacant land in Poppleton, extending a redevelopment saga that began in 2006. What did the lawsuit allege? The lawsuit alleged that La Cité's efforts to construct new housing and commercial space in Poppleton resulted in widespread displacement, indefinite land control by a private developer, and the destruction of a historically Black home without the promised benefits. According to The Baltimore Banner, the La Cité development team was paid millions in "overhead" costs, lost another subphase to an investor, and dramatically scaled back its vision for the neighborhood. The Banner also reported that La Cité canceled its contract with Baltimore City in 2024, but the developer still controls much of the city-owned property in the community. What caused the lawsuit? In April, the Poppleton Now Community Association sued the city of Baltimore, various leaders, and La Cité Development, who they alleged conducted a failed demolition project, which destroyed historic homes and displaced more than 500 Black residents. A resident told WJZ that she felt it was embarrassing to invite people into the neighborhood due to all the vacant homes. According to residents, La Cité Development was granted the right to redevelop the community more than 20 years ago, and the city later acquired many homes through eminent domain, displacing hundreds of people. According to The Baltimore Banner, La Cité has only completed one complex so far due to financial difficulties.
