A new beginning through play: how Welcome to Play brings hope, healing and belonging to kids in Edmonton
By Zeba Tasci in Ottawa, Canada When families arrive in a new country after fleeing conflict, persecution or uncertainty, the world they once knew feels far away — and the challenges of building a new life can feel overwhelming. For children and parents alike, the...
Calgary’s Soccer Without Boundaries: ‘We invest in them, they come back as mentors’
By Erika Ehrenberg in Ottawa, Canada In the southwestern Calgary community of Glenbrook, children as young as five set up orange, plastic cones to mark their field. In a small park—modest and once underused—young children soon arrive. Around the neighborhood, youth...
“Soccer gave me community”: How Héritier Masimengo found integration and belonging through soccer
Gratitude is the first thing people notice about Héritier Masimengo. Before speaking about his achievements, his work, or his goals, he pauses to say thank you—for the opportunity to share his story, and for the people who helped shape it. “I’m thankful,” he says...
UNHCR: ‘Asylum is not merely an act of generosity, it’s an expression of courage’
On April 29, 2026, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) as part of its study of Canada’s immigration system. UNHCR Canada Representative Tracey Maulfair and Senior Legal Officer Azadeh...
“I am addicted to the truth”: A Venezuelan journalist finds safety and purpose in Canada
Forced to flee Venezuela for his work, journalist Halim Naim found safety through Canada’s Human Rights Defenders program. Now, he is showing that this protection can be the foundation and platform to rebuild a life and continue the fight for the truth. By Zeba Tasci...
Once denied a chance to learn, meet the Hazara refugee who earned one of Canada’s top education honours
“Every single person in this world could have ended up a refugee. We are people just like you— and our stories matter.” By Zeba Tasci in Ottawa, Canada When Muhaddisa Sarwari was awarded the Loran Scholarship—one of Canada’s most competitive and respected...
UNHCR: ‘These proposed changes have a very real impact on human lives’
On February 10, 2026, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the Senate Social Affairs, Science and Technology Standing Committee as part of its study of Bill C-12, an Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the...
UNHCR: ‘We hope Canada continues to be a champion for fast, fair, and efficient asylum’
On November 18, 2025, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) as part of its study of Bill C-12. Azadeh Tamjeedi, UNHCR Canada senior legal officer, presented on behalf of UNHCR. Video of...