The refugee crisis that has engulfed the European Union for over a year now is a classic example of a complex humanitarian emergency. Caused primarily by the civil war in Syria and, to a lesser extent, political instability in Africa, it has human, political, security, and economic dimensions which in turn have repercussions for the transit and recipient states, their relations with one another, and above all for the people affected. Understanding and responsibly reporting rather than sensationalising the refugee crisis poses complex challenges and requires both a detailed grasp of its different dimensions and a big picture view. This panel brings together experts with a range of experience and perspectives in complex humanitarian emergencies to offer nuanced, balanced, and in-depth analysis.
