“I was deeply touched by how the refugees keep their dignity and kindness.
Adversity does not destroy their hearts. I want to let them know they are not alone, there are people who care them.”
About Yao Chen
Yao Chen has worked with UNHCR since 2010. Started working as UNHCR’s Honorary Patron in China, she visited urban Somali, Sudanese and Palestinian refugees from in and around the Philippines capital, Manila.
In April 2011, the actress travelled to Mae La camp in western Thailand, her first visit to a refugee camp.
In April 2012, she travelled to Africa and visited refugee camps in southeastern and northeastern Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the world’s poorest country. She spoke to Somali refugees who fled because of drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.
In June 2013, Yao Chen was named UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador in China– the first in China.
In 2014 and 2015, Yao Chen visited Lebanon and Pakistan, meeting Syrian and Afghanistan Refugees where they recalled their stories of fleeing. Also, focusing on refugee children education problem.
As a famous Chinese actress with over 80 million Weibo followers – the Chinese equivalent of Twitter – she reaches the audiences with messages about her visits and refugee issues. She also supported UNHCR work by donation and active participation in World Refugee Day activities.
In January 2016, she won the Annual Crystal Award at World Economic Forum, the first female winner in China, for her contribution in raising awareness of the refugee crisis.
In June 2017, Yao Chen met with UNHCR High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, in Beijing and renewed her tenure as UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador.