For nearly two decades, conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused hundreds of thousands of people to seek refuge in other countries. Within the last year alone, an estimated 239 Congolese refugees have settled in Johnson County, Iowa. A project to improve health care access for this population is now underway thanks to generous public support provided through a new crowdfunding venture.

Shakally shared his experiences Thursday at a presentation hosted by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council about his experience growing up as a Syrian asylum seeker.

Refugee Relief week runs from today through Friday with events taking place each day. There will be nine events around campus, varying from creating clothing for those in need to hearing the stories of refugees who recently traveled overseas to America.

In the Old Capitol Senate Chamber on Thursday night, Melissa Fleming, the head of communications for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, described the dire situation facing most of the world’s refugees.

On the topic of Syrian refugees in the U.S., America's Arab community is split.

One University of Iowa law graduate shows a Daily Iowan photographer what life in a refugee camp is like.