Young refugees from all over Europe write for Vice.com

With "New Neighbors", Vice is launching a Europe-wide series of articles written by young refugees. Supported by UNHCR, the mandated international organization for refugee protection, the editorial project features intimate accounts of the everyday lives of young refugees and explores the complexities of identity, youth and being forced to leave home.

The series of articles is intended to offer young people a platform where their voices can be heard. Because political parties, tabloid newspapers and the declining interest of the media have silenced them. The topics range from "A playlist of the songs I listened to on the way from Syria to Europe" to "En vogue despite a tight budget - how it works". With the article "A young Eritrean talks about his school days in Switzerland", a refugee from Switzerland also contributes to the article series.

"New Neighbors" is Vice's first Europe-wide article initiative. Editorial teams from eleven countries have joined forces to provide unbiased, first-hand content. The countries involved are the UK, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland. The articles are translated into around 12 other languages to reach overseas readers.

Elektra Kotsoni, Editorial Director, EMEA Vice: "In recent years, Europe has seen a shift to the right, which has made foreigners less and less welcome. This is precisely why we must not give up. But we need to rethink our approach to the issue. Our offices across Europe have spoken to young refugees who have already settled in and asked them to write about something that is important to them - whether it's love, music or football. We want to show that these young people are just as diverse as any of our editors and any of our neighbors - and they are not defined solely by their existence as refugees."

Part of the "New Neighbors" series is the collaboration with the UN, who are promoting the articles on their social networks and encouraging people to support their global #WithRefugees campaign: an international petition calling on governments worldwide to show solidarity and responsibility. This includes giving refugees access to education, work and a safe home to give them the chance to contribute to their communities.

"Young refugees have not only lost their homes, they have also been torn away from their familiar circle of friends, their education and their dreams. However, through the young people who share their stories with us in the "New Neighbours" series of articles, we recognize that refugees can also be messengers of positive change. The collaboration with Vice celebrates the extraordinary courage, drive and dedication that young people bring to the countries that give them refuge," said Christopher Reardon, Chief of Content Production at UNHCR.