Human Stories

Less than a year after opening, Bidibidi in Uganda has fast become one of the largest refugee settlements in the world. Here, Vipawan ‘Winny’ Pongtranggoon gives us a first-hand look at a typical day on the job.

With hundreds of thousands living in displacement due to armed conflict in Marawi, one teacher has opened his school to families seeking a safe place to call home.

Omaymah Tomawis is one of nearly 400,000 people displaced by the ongoing firefights in Marawi City. Having experienced displacement twice in her lifetime, she hopes this incident will be her children’s first and last.

This historical tradition of accepting refugees in the Philippines offers a new perspective on the development of the country as a safe haven for families escaping conflict and violence.

Since 2011, the Philippine Government, Indonesian Government, and UNHCR has been working together to bring legal protection to over 8,000 Persons of Indonesian Descent in southern Philippines.

Read the journey of Kamran Karbasi and Maher Mohammad Al Raee, both former refugees who have now become full-fledged Filipinos.

Recurring conflict in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao have displaced hundreds of families over the years. UNHCR and its partners are helping displaced families in Barangay Kabengi by providing a water system in their community.

In the southern part of the Philippines, Persons of Indonesian Descent are being assisted by UNHCR and government partners in finding solutions for their legal identity needs.

In the town of Baloi in Lanao del Norte province, Muslims and Christians have peacefully coexisted within the same villages, maintaining a strong tradition of respect for each other’s religious and cultural identity.

When women and girls are forced to flee, they face specific risks and challenges. But they also show incredible strength and resilience. With the support of generous donors, UNHCR helps support and empower displaced women, girls and their families around the world.