One year on, people displaced by Cyclone Idai struggle to rebuild
Survivors in Mozambique are still trying to rebuild their lives. More assistance is needed to help them recover, and to support other countries affected by climate change. By Catherine Wachiaya in Beira, Mozambique When Cyclone Idai struck Mozambique a year ago,...
Humanitarian agencies seek US$290 million to support Burundian refugees
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with its 36 humanitarian and development partners, today launched a funding appeal of US$290 million to assist more than 300,000 refugees from Burundi in the neighbouring countries. As the Burundi refugee crisis approaches its...
Syria Crisis Nine Years On: Naleen’s Story
Naleen strums her tanbur, a traditional stringed instrument, with grace and confidence. It’s like an extension of her, bringing her own story into the world through the music she’s playing. For 15-year-old Naleen, art reflects reality: her tanbur was one of the only...
The coronavirus outbreak is a test of our systems, values and humanity
By Michelle Bachelet and Filippo Grandi If ever we needed reminding that we live in an interconnected world, the novel coronavirus has brought that home. No country can tackle this alone, and no part of our societies can be disregarded if we are to effectively rise to...
Nine years of conflict weigh heavily on Syrian refugee girl
Her family’s dire financial straits have led to 11-year-old Naamat taking on many of the household duties, but her resilient spirit has enabled her to excel at school. By Rima Cherri in Amman, Jordan Each weekday morning after her mother has left for work, Naamat...
Two years of political and social crisis in Nicaragua force more than 100,000 to flee
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. Nearly two years after Nicaragua was plunged into a serious political and social...
UNHCR: After 9 years of tragedy, resilience and solidarity, the world must not forget displaced Syrians
Geneva, 9 March – As the Syrian crisis enters its tenth year, the Syrian people continue to experience acute tragedy. Every second Syrian man, woman and child has been forcibly displaced since the start of the conflict in March 2011 – often, more than once. Today,...
UN Refugee Agency steps up COVID-19 preparedness, prevention and response measures
Geneva, 10 March 2020 – The world’s response to the COVID-19 crisis must encompass and focus on all, including those forced to flee their homes. The elderly among the world’s forcibly displaced population are particularly vulnerable, warned today UNHCR, the UN Refugee...