More than food is needed to nourish dreams
Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini appeals to star-studded Davos event for more support to those fleeing war and persecution. DAVOS, Switzerland – Yusra Mardini, the Syrian swimmer who inspired the world at last summer’s Rio Olympic Games, has made an...
I am a refugee and I’m proud to stand for peace
Yusra Mardini, a refugee, inspired displaced people all over the world when she swam at the Olympic Games. Now she is working on new goals. By: Yusra Mardini | 11 January 2017 My name is Yusra. Yes, I’m the girl who swam for her life, then swam at the Olympics. Now...
Refugees wrapped in blankets and winter clothing cross the Macedonia-Serbia border in freezing temperatures in this January 2016 file photo. © UNHCR/Igor Pavicevic
Refugees in Europe face winter freeze
The UN Refugee Agency urges governments to do more to help and protect refugees and migrants battling freezing temperatures in Europe. BELGRADE, Serbia – Thousands of refugees and migrants are grappling with freezing conditions as severe winter weather sweeps across...
Displaced Mosul family denounce torture
Haidar and his sister doubted they would survive torture by extremists in Iraq’s second largest city. Now, with UNHCR’s help, they are confronting their experiences. By: Catherine Robinson | 10 January 2017 DUHOK, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Every time Haidar* sees...
Christian community welcomes Syrian family to Canada
A Hutterite community in Manitoba finds common ground and strong friendship with the Syrian refugee family they helped to resettle. In November 2016, as cold winds swept across the Canadian prairie, Najwa and Reyad Al Hamoud welcomed their third child into the world....
Refugee given second chance in Canada
Given the opportunity to start over in Toronto, Thuy Nguyen pledged to return the favour one day. Now, she is helping the Nouman family from Syria begin a new life. By: Leyland Cecco and Annie Sakkab in Toronto, Canada When Thuy Nguyen first greeted the anxious Syrian...
Amid the ruins of Aleppo, UNHCR sees signs of hope
Syria Representative Sajjad Malik says 261,000 residents have received winter aid, but needs persist as many shelter in damaged buildings and informal camps. ALEPPO, Syria– UN agencies are rushing to provide urgent aid to the civilians of Aleppo and are finding...
Syrian violinist helps Canadian community hear his song
Sari Alesh’s promising music career was cut short by war. With the help of sponsors, the violinist can now play once more. Unlike most of the 31,000 Syrian refugees arriving to Canada over the last year, Sari Alesh, 31, did not bring a trade. Instead, among his few...