Opinion: We need to tell the world of the “world’s worst humanitarian crisis”
By Jean-Nicolas Beuze, UNHCR Yemen Representative I am the new UNHCR Representative in Yemen, writing this from our base in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital city at the foot of Mount Nuqum in the western part of the country. I was last here in 2013 during what became a very...
South Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan
Three under-reported refugee situations that you may not know about With more than 70.8 million people forcibly displaced by dozens of crises, it can be difficult to know about all of them. Here, we’re highlighting refugee situations that are under-reported,...
The invisible crisis: A UNHCR staffer on the front lines in Venezuela
By Hannah Scott It can be hard to imagine a crisis involving more than four million people as invisible — but to UNHCR Communications Officer Olga Sarrado Mur, the Venezuela situation often feels that way. In April of 2018, Sarrado Mur was working in Jordan helping...
Mosul metalworker helps Old City neighbours after displacement
Coming back to this historic district after two long years, Saad found help to repair his house. Now he is putting his skills to work so others can return home. By Firas Al-Khateeb in Mosul, Iraq Ashwaq skips cheerfully past the rubble of destroyed buildings in...
One year in Libya
Reflections from a veteran Canadian staffer on his time as Deputy Head of Mission By Matthew Brook, as told to Lauren La Rose Garden Bay, B.C., is home for Matthew Brook, but he has devoted the past two decades with UNHCR helping refugees in need around the world,...
“I want to inspire refugees”
Olympian and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Yusra Mardini on resiliency, Tokyo 2020, and how the Olympics bring people together By Yusra Mardini, as told to Hannah Scott Syrian refugee and swimmer Yusra Mardini was appointed the youngest ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in...
The survivors: Snapshots of desperate journeys out of Libya to safety
In the face of ongoing and intensifying conflict in Libya, UNHCR continues to work with its partners on organizing humanitarian evacuations out of the country. Efforts are being made to identify and prioritize those most in need, often including unaccompanied...
Racing for her future
Eritrean refugee finds a Canadian home through running By Fiona Irvine-Goulet “When I run, I feel free. I forget everything and I concentrate on my run, and it makes me feel good.” Nazret Kobodom, 16, is a rising long-distance running star in Calgary, Alberta, a young...