You may not be aware of it, but the international community is currently faced with the worst international refuges crisis since WWII. In Syria, the devastating civil war between the authoritarian government and rebel groups has created a state of chaos and extreme violence in the country. Over 4 million innocent civilians have fled the country since 2011, seeking for refuge from the death and destruction caused by the civil war.

Dr. George Netto of the Syrian-American Medical Association (SAMA) emphasizes the problem. “These people, who are risking their lives, walking hundreds of kilometers to possible safety, are doing it for the security of their families. They are the ones who are running away from the fighting; they’re done with conflict. They’re normal people like you and me, they’re poor, and they’re afraid for their lives.”

However, the neighboring countries of Syria; Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, and Iraq, are unable to take in such a large influx of people. Refugees who flee to these nations are often forced to stay in unsanitary camps with inadequate shelter, low amounts of food and water, and no opportunities for education. Thus, more and more refugees are fleeing to wealthy European nations, such as Hungary, Austria, Italy, and Germany. Germany alone has pledged to take in over 80% of the fleeing refugees.

Langley’s own German teacher, Ms. Ina Lammerzahl, is trying to spread some light on the issue. ”I’m really pleased to see what the Germans are doing, which is opening their borders for the Syrians. I’m trying to show my students and educate them about what’s going on and what the impact is and how Germans are reacting… and to put themselves in the Syrians shoes.”

However, other nations have been much more hostile to the refugees. Nations such as Hungary have begun building barbed wire fences along their borders to keep the refugees out. In response, the refugees have been trying to find other ways into Europe. In the past few years, over 300,000 refugees have fled across the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Italy, hoping for refuge.

But, Lammerzhal highlights the issues with such crossings. “It is hard [for the refugees] because they have to pay untrustworthy smugglers to put them on overcrowded boats that may sink and drown them.”

The international community has been encouraging the European countries to act together to solve the problem, however, no clear solution has been reached and more and more refugees are fleeing to Europe. The lives of millions of people are at stake and only time will tell if they will reach their destinations safely.