Living Between Hope and Uncertainty: Insights from the Nordic Panel on Migration

Facing Uncertainty: The Double Trauma of War and Migration

Do you know what it feels like to live in constant uncertainty? To lose everything you know—the comfort of your home, the presence of loved ones, the security of daily life—and face a future overshadowed by questions without answers? For millions of people fleeing war, this is not an abstract question; it is their reality.

Try to imagine: you’re forced to pack your entire life into a suitcase and leave behind the life you’ve built. When you arrive in a new country, the challenges don’t end—they multiply. Each day brings a series of unanswered questions.

• Will you be allowed to stay here?
• Can you create a life for your family in this new place?
• Or will you be uprooted again?

This harsh reality formed the core of discussions at the panel event “Integration or Return: Authorities’ Management of Temporary Migration – A Nordic Perspective”, held at the University of Gothenburg on December 4. Experts, academics, and practitioners came together to shed light on how temporary migration is managed and how it impacts those affected.

The Reality of War and Forced Migration

At the heart of this discussion were deeply personal stories. Our mental health coach, Viktoriia Svidovska, shared the experiences of those Hug has supported this year.
"As an organization focused on mental health support, we assisted over 400 participants in 2024 alone,” Viktoriia explained. “Many of them experience double trauma—first, the devastation of war, and then the challenges of forced migration. These traumas compound each other, leaving many struggling to regain a sense of normalcy."

The event reminded us that safety and quality of life are not privileges—they are fundamental human rights. Without them, integration becomes nearly impossible.

The Role of Community and Support

This understanding forms the backbone of Hug’s work. We don’t just help individuals survive; we aim to restore dignity and hope. Programs like Better You & Me focus on improving mental health and creating safe spaces for healing. These initiatives become lifelines for those grappling with trauma.

Andrea Spehar, Director of the Centre for Global Migration at the University of Gothenburg, emphasized the role of authorities and communities in facilitating integration. “Successful integration requires coordinated efforts—policy frameworks, mental health support, and societal acceptance must go hand in hand.”

Panelists like Louise Dånge, postdoctoral researcher in sociology at Aalborg University, and Professor Guri Tyldum from Forskningstiftelsen Fafo, echoed this sentiment. They called for long-term strategies that go beyond temporary measures to ensure displaced individuals can rebuild their lives.

A Call to Action

The discussions underscored a powerful truth: no one should face these challenges alone. Community efforts can make a transformative difference.

Do you know any Ukrainians in your area? Please reach out to them. Sometimes, a simple conversation can provide comfort. You can also recommend activities like our Better You & Me program, which fosters resilience and mental well-being.

Looking Forward

While the challenges are immense, events like this remind us of the power of collective action. Together—with policymakers, organizations, and individuals—we can create an environment where people feel safe and supported, regardless of where they come from or what they have endured.

Together, we can make a difference.

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