5 ways refugees helped battle COVID-19 in 2020
For most people, 2020 cannot end soon enough. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed nearly 1.8 million people and caused extreme hardship. As the year comes to an end and vaccinations begin, many are hopeful the virus can be contained. But the socioeconomic effects of the pandemic could be felt for years – especially in the world’s least developed countries, where most of the world’s forcibly displaced people live.
From Global Goals to Local Actions
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which sets out a plan of action based on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ultimate mission is to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of...
UNHCR at 70: proud of our work but in no mood to celebrate
For seven decades, colleagues in the UN Refugee Agency have protected, saved and changed millions of lives. But how much better it would be, says High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, if no one was compelled to flee at all…
Janet Shih and mother, Cecilia, talk about education and sports for refugee girls
The mother-daughter duo has been joining hands with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in supporting refugee education, following an inspiring first-hand encounter with children in displacement in Iran. Share the Key to Change and Success As a female leader chairing...
UNHCR’s Innovative Winter Support
UNHCR plans to provide timely and substantial help to 3.8 million vulnerable Syrian and Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) scattered all over Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt to make it through this winter. Given the sheer number of people...
Aid urgently needed for Ethiopians streaming into Sudan
Tens of thousands of Ethiopians have fled ongoing fighting in the Tigray region for safety in Sudan. Food, shelter and medicine are among urgent requirements.
Refugee Lawyer Craves Good Education for Her Children
After resettling to the US from Hong Kong in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laila (a pseudonym) reflects on a journey that began six years ago when she fled her home country in East Africa with nothing but her most important possessions: two children, aged 8 and...
Winter to Affect Millions as COVID-19 Spreads
Winter is arriving for millions of people uprooted by conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East. Living under sub-zero weather in makeshift tents and unfinished buildings with little protection against powerful snowstorms and icy floods is challenging enough. As...
Syrian family among millions relying on aid to survive winter
In northern Jordan, Syrian refugee Hilal relies on assistance to get his family through the harsh winter, with millions more in the region needing similar help.