‘When I was growing up, my father told me:
“My son, when you go into battle with someone or a group and they defeat you, do not fight back. Join them and learn.”
Those words make so much sense to me today.

The current administration has challenged and exposed many weaknesses within the humanitarian sector. Whether we accept it or not, we, refugees, immigrant leaders, and humanitarian actors, have lost some ground in this moment. We have to be honest that we do not hold the power, and this reality has been revealed to all of us.

As a refugee myself, I now fully understand: our protection depends on unity, strategy, and humility, not on confrontation. We need to work together for the sake of our communities’ safety and dignity.

I want to sincerely thank all individuals, organizations, neighbors, and allies who continue to stand with us. Many have stepped back. Many programs have shut down. Many doors have closed. But a few remain standing, and those few have carried us through the storm.

Through my conversations with refugee leaders around the world, I have learned something important and painful:

Humanitarian industries often have answers for our questions,
but they do not always have solutions for our problems.

This is not a blame; it is a reality we must confront together.

We are in a moment that calls for collaboration, honesty, and rebuilding. And despite everything, I still believe in the possibility of a better system, a stronger partnership, and a more protected future for refugees everywhere.
Emma Yaaka