Why we must help – and learn from – refugees this Ramadan
A version of this op-ed was first published by Al Jazeera on 18 May. This Ramadan is unlike any other in living memory. Across the Muslim world mosques stand empty, iftar meals are strangely quiet affairs, and the joyful social gatherings that normally mark the Holy...
Indigenous refugees battle Coronavirus in Latin America
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads through Latin America, UNHCR, the UN Refugee...
As coronavirus spreads, refugee doctors want to join the fight
Trained medics working as cashiers and wait staff want their qualifications recognized so they can save lives in the pandemic. By Sarah Schafer NEW YORK – When Lubab al-Quraishi heard that officials in New Jersey would allow internationally trained medical workers...
Self-help project in Niger churns out hygiene products in fight against coronavirus
Mini refugee ‘factory’ produces soap, liquid handwash, bleach and water containers for free distribution. By Jean-Sébastien Josset in Hamdallaye, Niger It started as a mini-cooperative to give a small income for hundreds of refugees evacuated from Libya. But with the...
In their host countries, two LGBTI refugees from Venezuela start new lives
LGBTI refugees often face a long road to safety. But for a gay man and a transwoman from Venezuela, building new lives in their host countries represented a ‘rebirth.’ By Stephanie Rabi Misle in Santiago, Chile, and Victoria Hugueney in Brasília, Brazil For Valentinna...
Honduran family starts new life across the country, but terror is never far
Hounded by gangs, the family was among hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people on the run within this small Central American nation. By Pamela Villars in Tegucigalpa, Honduras Three times, Mariana* stood up to the violent gangs that took over her...
Conflict and pandemic drive more people to risk deadly sea route from Libya
A Sudanese teenager survived brushes with death in a quest for asylum, but rising insecurity and COVID-19 restrictions drove him to risk all on the open seas. By Tarik Argaz in Tripoli, Libya Since before he can remember, 18-year-old Siddik’s* life has been shaped by...
United in Music: A virtual charity concert to aid UNHCR’S coronavirus response
International artists, professors and friends from 30 countries, join Maestro Shlomo Mintz, team up for globe-spanning performance in support of the UN Refugee Agency’s COVID-19 appeal. More than 50 musicians from around the world are contributing their talents and...