Ger Duany is UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for the East and Horn of Africa Region.
Duany who is one of UNHCR’s high profile supporters was announced as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for the East and Horn of Africa Region during World Refugee Day 2015 in Kakuma by UNHCR Kenya Country Representative, Raouf Mazou.
“Thank you UNHCR for making me a Goodwill Ambassador; it is a role that I am honoured to take on,” Duany said during his acceptance speech. He was further honoured by the Mr. and Miss. Kakuma World Refugee Day 2015 pageant finalists who adorned him with traditional Turkana regalia that are fit for an elder.
Born in the town of Akobo in what is now South Sudan, he was caught up in Sudan’s north-south civil war. He became separated from his family and was forcefully recruited as a child soldier, like thousands of other boys during the 1983-2005 conflict.
Ger Duany is now successful actor and model based in the United States.
“As UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador I have elected to focus on the areas of Youth and Education. Up to 90% of refugees in any settlement tend to be women and children. Behind the staggering statistics are vulnerable children who have been exposed to abhorrent forms of violence. Women bear an inordinate burden of displacement as the main caregivers of the young, the elderly and infirm. Believe me, I’ve been there and I know.”
