Ethan Yoo

Pronouns: he/him

Syrian journalist: The Bulgarian Prime Minister's statement 'mixes racism and Islamophobia'

Tags: Black Lives Matter. Disability. History. Public policy.

The Syrian journalist is Okba Mohammad, who was quoted by the Associated Press.

Brito, R. (2022, February 28). Europe welcomes Ukrainian refugees — others, less so. Associated Press.

But while the hospitality has been applauded, it has also highlighted stark differences in treatment given to migrants and refugees from the Middle East and Africa, particularly Syrians who came in 2015. Some of the language from these leaders has been disturbing to them, and hurtful.

Guardian News. (2022, February 28). Discrimination and racism as people flee Ukraine shared on social media [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/c17tY3tgOlQ

A deluge of reports and footage posted on social media appears to show acts of discrimination and violence against African, Asian and Caribbean citizens while fleeing Ukrainian cities and at some of the country’s border posts.

Sins Invalid. (2022, February 28). Disability justice is a politic of peace.

As Russia invades Ukraine and the threat of nuclear war looms, Sins Invalid reaffirms that disability justice is a politic of deep respect for our bodyminds, a key underpinning for peace. As such, Disability Justice is also anti-invasion, anti-colonial, anti-imperialist and anti-war.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2022, March 1). UN seeks US$1.7 billion as humanitarian needs soar in Ukraine and neighbouring countries [Press release].

The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees may need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries in the coming months.