Since armed conflict began in Syria in 2011, the refugee crisis has increased steadily and significantly. Kayla was most recently working with aid organizations providing needed support to Syrian refugees in Turkey.
The United Nations(UN) reports that about 3 million Syrians have fled the country, mainly into Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq. Hosting communities are struggling to support these refugees while another 6.5 million Syrians are internally displaced.
Winter is an especially challenging and a dangerous time for refugees and internally displaced people, as their makeshift homes are easily damaged and they struggle to stay warm. The deaths of several children and infants were reported during a snowstorm in early January.
The UN has had to cut a significant amount of food aid to the refugees due to a lack of funding. Very few refugees have been offered asylum either in Europe or the United States. Since October 2011, the U.S. has granted asylum to 248 Syrians, although there are thousands more waiting for approval.
Kayla was most recently working with aid organizations providing needed support to Syrian refugees in Turkey. In 2011, Kayla participated in an online sit-in to show solidarity with the Syrian people.
“For as long as I live, I will not let this suffering be normal. (I will not let this be) something we just accept,” Mueller said. “It’s important to stop and realize what we have, why we have it and how privileged we are. And from that place, start caring and get a lot done.”
Kayla discusses this crisis more here.