Sweden has a rich history of providing refuge to individuals fleeing conflict zones. In 2015, Sweden witnessed an unprecedented influx of asylum seekers, with over 160,000 people seeking asylum, primarily driven by the Syrian Civil War, alongside significant numbers from Afghanistan and Iraq. Notably, more than one in five arrivals were children who arrived unaccompanied. Syrians consistently comprised the largest immigrant group in Sweden from 2014 to 2018.
Since February 24, 2022, nearly eight million Ukrainians have been displaced to various European countries, with approximately 50,000 Ukrainian refugees registered in Sweden alone. Between 2013 and 2022, Sweden received over half a million (550,630) first-time applications for protection, including quota refugees and individuals from Ukraine who received protection under the Temporary Protection Directive. Encouragingly, more than half of these applicants (328,632) were granted protection in Sweden.
In light of these developments, initiatives like the Lifeboat project play a crucial role in supporting refugees in Sweden. By offering essential services such as shelter, healthcare, and legal aid, projects like Lifeboat contribute significantly to the integration and well-being of refugees. Furthermore, they foster solidarity and empathy within communities, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support for those in need. Thus, supporting initiatives like Lifeboat is essential in ensuring the successful resettlement and inclusion of refugees in Swedish society.