In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has swept across the globe, ignoring borders and devastating many lives. But in the face of these dark times, we’ve seen humanity shine through time and time again. So from what has been a more difficult year than anyone could have imagined, here are eight moments that gave us hope.

Today’s refugee crisis poses serious challenges to the international order. Conflict and crisis have pushed some 21 million people to seek refuge outside their home countries, including 5 million who have fled Syria since the civil war began in 2011. Approximately 76 percent of refugees live outside of camp settings, making it even more difficult to locate and reach them with essential services. Furthermore, protracted displacement has become the “new normal.” Refugees now spend an average of 10 years away from their homes, and for refugees displaced more than five years, the average is 21 years.