The classic picture of a refugee camp is becoming obsolete. Refugees and displaced people move to the city in the hope of finding a sense of community, safety and economic independence. However, in reality, what many actually find are harsh living conditions, lack of security and poverty.

Working with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the European Commission’s humanitarian aid and civil protection department (ECHO), Andrew McConnell has spent many months documenting this new reality in eight cities across four continents. Through images, refugee testimonies, and video, the resulting body of work presents a unique insight into the lives of urban refugees today and challenges the commonly held stereotypes.

Here, the ‘Making of’ Hidden Lives.