Conditions deteriorate for civilians amid fighting in north-eastern Syria
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is increasingly worried for the safety of civilians...
Statement by UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie in Kutupalong refugee settlement, Bangladesh
The events that unfolded in the aftermath of August 2017 showed us the best and worst of humankind that exist in our world today. In a matter of months, over 700,000 people were forced from their homes in Rakhine State into Bangladesh. A year and a half later, there...
Once his only option, running is now Somali refugee’s passion
Inspired by former refugee and Olympic champion Mo Farah, Guled joined a running club in his adopted Cairo and began chasing his dreams. By Yasmine El Demerdash and Nawar Rifaah in Cairo, Egypt For the past six years, Guled’s long-striding legs have carried him to...
World’s biggest refugee settlement gets biggest ever waste facility
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and Oxfam have together put into service this week in...
Sultans of String use music to unite people and raise money for refugees
By Seila Rizvic When Chris McKhool, violinist of the band Sultans of String, was planning his 50th birthday, he decided to use it as an opportunity to help refugees around the world. Along with his bandmates, Kevin Laliberté, Eddie Paton, Drew Birston and Rosendo...
Six people died each day crossing Mediterranean in 2018 – UNHCR report
Refugees and migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea lost their lives at an alarming rate in 2018, as cuts in search and rescue operations reinforced its position as the world’s deadliest sea crossing. The latest ‘Desperate Journeys’ report,...
French village sets an example of how to welcome refugees
For four months, residents and volunteers in Pessat-Villeneuve in central France have been helping 60 evacuees from Africa build new lives. By Céline Schmitt and Joséphine Lebas-Joly in Pessat-Villeneuve, France It is nearly 5 pm on a cold January evening in...
Nomzamo Mbatha becomes UNHCR’s newest Goodwill Ambassador
South African actress joins a global team of Goodwill Ambassadors whose influence, commitment and compassion help amplify refugee voices around the world. By Catherine Wachiaya UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today announced the appointment of South African actress and...