In late 2010, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) launched a programme treating cardiac emergencies in Grozny, Chechnya, in response to the inadequacy of cardiac healthcare in the region. Within a few months of its implementation, the teams had treated nearly 700 patients.

© Nenna Arnold/MSF

This week, world leaders will gather in Geneva to commemorate 60 years of the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Yet it is an anniversary the world’s 15.1 million refugees have little reason to celebrate. Today, states are increasingly shutting their borders and restricting the assistance they give to refugees and people seeking asylum.

"Each new boat, each tragic refugee death is a stark reminder of the war across the sea," declared Francesca Zuccaro, MSF Head of Mission in Italy. “These people risk their lives to seek refuge on European shore.”

Two migrants share their stories of loss as they escape to Evros, Greece