Refugees transform walls into works of art
SAADI, Iran – Until recently, discriminating graffiti and widespread rubbish problems fuelled social tensions between Iranians and Afghans in the Saadi neighbourhood of Shiraz, Iran. Now, thanks to UNHCR and the Government of Iran, refugees and the local community...
Hungary sending asylum seekers back to Serbia
RÖSZKE, Hungary – The UN Refugee Agency said today it was deeply concerned that asylum-seekers were reportedly being forced back across the border into Serbia under new Hungarian regulations and called for an investigation into reports that they were being subjected...
Facebook group helps Syrian refugees in Lebanon
SAIDA, Lebanon – When her son was assaulted, Nour, a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon, did not know where to go for help—so she turned to Facebook. Her first point of contact was “I am a Syrian in Lebanon,” a Facebook group that has been helping to answer a wide range...
Afghan teen journalist writes of courage and sorrow
With gunmen on his tail, 17-year-old Omid Ahmadi, a young journalist, fled Kabul without saying goodbye to his family. Now safe, he shared his journey in his own words. BAD FALLINGBOSTEL, Germany – We believe that water is life but sometimes it stands for the...
Necessity of open borders for South Sudan refugees
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Leo Dobbs – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at the press briefing, on 12 July 2016, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR is calling on all armed parties to ensure safe passage for people fleeing...Canada’s Blue Rodeo stands with refugees
Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo has partnered with UNHCR to record Stand Together with Refugees. In addition to their generous cash donation to support the Syrian refugee crisis late last year, Blue Rodeo continues to show its support for refugees worldwide...
Berlin refugee guides show off cultural riches from home
BERLIN, Germany – A hush falls over the small group of visitors as it enters the cool, lofty hall filled with ancient stones. Museum guide Kefah Ali Deeb studies their expressions closely as they gaze at Syrian statues of lions, birds, scorpions and mysterious...
Refugees risk all to escape Central American gangs
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (UNHCR) – As a police officer in El Salvador, Carolina* worked in a unit protecting kidnap victims and murder witnesses, so they could help bring the perpetrators to justice. Then the gangs turned on her. Members of a powerful street gang tracked...