Stories
The latest stories from UNHCR.
Photo: © UNHCR/Roland Schonbauer
We take special care to bring you the latest refugee news and stories of the men, women and children we help each day.
Syrian violinist helps Canadian community hear his song
Sari Alesh’s promising music career was cut short by war. With the help of sponsors, the violinist can now play once more. Unlike most of the 31,000 Syrian refugees arriving to Canada over the last year, Sari Alesh, 31, did not bring a trade. Instead, among his few...
Syrian seamstress becomes a part of community fabric
With the help of sponsors, Syrian refugee Rabiaa Al Soufi’s skills have become a valued part of one tight-knit community in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Stand up for refugees, stand up for rights
The recent enthusiasm in Canada for the refugee cause shows how each of us can stand up for the rights of others. OTTAWA—On Dec. 10, the world marked International Human Rights Day. This is the time to raise awareness globally of the critical importance of the body of...
Q&A: A survivor breaks her silence
Yami Msosa speaks on her experience as a gender-based violence survivor. Her dedication in raising awareness and empowering young women and girls extends beyond her employment at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa. OTTAWA, Canada, December 1 (UNHCR) – Since...
South Sudan actor played dead to save his life
Abducted by gunmen as he fled, Moses had to draw on all his skills and experience to cheat death. BIDIBIDI, Uganda – Moses knew the routine at the armed checkpoints that straddled his road south to safety: when the gunmen demand you join their ranks, politely decline,...
Hungarian volunteers offer warm welcome for refugees
Meals, advice, shelter — and smiles — provided to those fearing only cold shoulders. The kitchens of the John Wesley Theological College resound to the clatter of pans and the chopping of vegetables. Hungarian staff are making meals not only for their own students....
Art therapy helps a boy with PTSD from war
A bogeyman haunts the recurring nightmares of six-year-old Miguel,* who was born and spent his earliest years in a conflict-ravaged corner of Colombia. Now resettled in Canada, he picks up modeling clay at an art therapy session and makes a cage. With delicately...
As beloved imam’s hope for peace live on
For decades, Imam Moussa Bawa worked with Italian nun Sister Maria Concetta to help refugees of all faiths to live in peace. On his death, his successor pledges to continue his work. When they welcomed newborn babies in this town in Democratic Republic of the Congo...
UN Summit commits to protect refugee, migrant rights
NEW YORK – At a high-level UN Summit in New York today, the governments of 193 countries adopted key commitments to enhance protection for millions of people who have been forcibly displaced and are otherwise on the move around the world. Amidst record levels of...
Refugee girls beat the odds with education in Kenya
Providing refugee children and adolescents with an education wherever they find safety is a core humanitarian service, yet many do not have the opportunity. Esther, 18, did not attend school from late 2008 through to early 2011. Constant insecurity in South Sudan’s...
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