Viral video captures emotional Syrian refugee family reunion at Winnipeg airport
Refugees resettled in Manitoba reunite with relatives three years after separation. By Lidia Abraha Thousands of refugee families are often separated when fleeing violence or conflict. So, when Abdo Bakr landed at the Winnipeg International Airport, he rushed to kiss...
Canadian author Kyo Maclear highlights the refugee experience in Story Boat
Children’s book engages young readers to reflect on the journey of refugees and the items they hold on to as a source of hope and inspiration. By Lidia Abraha After spending years visiting students all over Canada, Kyo Maclear knew children could be strong allies in...
Celebrating Canada History Week, with a look to the past
Edited by Anaheh Ghookassian Khoygani, Ottawa, Canada To celebrate Canada History Week, from 18 – 24 of November, UNHCR is bringing you four inspiring refugee stories of people who came to Canada before the year 1950, when UNHCR was created. This year’s theme,...
National Youth Dialogue finds that Canadian youth believe Canada can do more for refugees
By Anaheh Ghookassian Khoygani in Ottawa, Canada Last fall, a group of high school students from across Canada came together to discuss the issues facing refugees in Canada and globally. The conversation was guided by the Centre for Global Education in collaboration...
Persecuted and uprooted, a young Yemeni finds safe haven in Canada
Mohammed arrived in Québec through Roxham Road, fleeing the world’s worst humanitarian disaster. By Emmanuelle Paciullo in Montreal, Canada “I was welcomed in Canada with much respect and dignity. I felt a strong emotion, a mixture of fear and relief – unsure what lay...
Statelessness in Canada: UNHCR Canada releases new study
By Anaheh Ghookassian Khoygani in Ottawa, Canada 2019 marks the mid-point of UNHCR’s #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness. The #IBelong Campaign was launched in November 2014 with the goal of ending statelessness within 10 years. Together with States, civil society...
Technology connects Somali refugee with Canada’s York University
Despite being thousands of kilometres away, a group of refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp are studying at Canada’s York University. From seven master’s students, the programme is now expanding to 60 learners. Abdikadir Bare Abikar, 29, is on the verge of...
Mo Amer brings humour and heart to refugee experience in Netflix stand-up special
By Lauren La Rose in Toronto, Canada Long before he was touring the world, starring in his Netflix special “The Vagabond, and counting superstars like Will Smith among his famous fans, Mo Amer first honed his stand-up skills on an unlikely stage: his high school...