Walking a mile in someone else's shoes

The refugee crisis affecting Europe has thrown up the sort of heartbreaking scenes long thought consigned to its past. Yet the migrant crisis is real enough and its consequences are confusing European society and challenging the capacity of its institutions.

The report on pages 28-35 sheds light on the enormous difficulties faced by people forced to flee their countries, from settling in a new land without any resources to the struggle for acceptance in an alien society. The situation is not helped by prejudice and stereotypes that undermine the solidarity and empathy for the refugees in the public opinion of most European countries.

In the face of legal and administrative hurdles and often hostile treatment from the authorities, the task of helping refugees falls to humanitarian organisations. It is thanks to their efforts that many asylum seekers are able to achieve their dream of setting up a new life.

Also this month, we ask American residents in Catalonia for their take on the upcoming US presidential election. And, as always, don't forget to follow us on El Punt Avui TV and subscribe to our podcasts and audios on Soundcloud!