UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James meets Malian refugees in Mauritania’s Mbera camp. © UNHCR/Caroline Irby
- UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James has returned from Mauritania, where he met with refugees facing the harrowing challenges of displacement.
- During his visit, James learned about the devastating impact of the climate crisis and the inspiring initiatives being put into place to combat its catastrophic effects.
- His trip comes ahead of COP29, where James will join UNHCR and climate-impacted refugees to advocate for urgent global action.
- His commitment to the refugee cause is deeply personal, inspired by his own family history – his grandfather was a refugee.
LONDON – Theo James, British actor and newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has returned from an eye-opening visit to Mauritania, where he spent time with refugees from Mali who fled violence and insecurity at home and are now struggling with the challenges of climate change and ongoing humanitarian crises in the Sahel region.
This visit precedes James’ participation at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he will join UNHCR and refugee advocates who have personally experienced the devastating effects of the climate crisis.
During his time in Mauritania, home to over 262,000 refugees – primarily women and children from Mali – James met with Malian refugees and the communities hosting them, gaining invaluable insight into the dire circumstances that drive their displacement and their needs as they try to rebuild their lives.
At Mbera Refugee Camp, James witnessed the harsh realities endured by refugees. Securing quality education and employment opportunities remains a challenge. And those who have already fled violent conflict in Mali are now facing the compounded crisis of an increasingly harsh and dangerous climate, with droughts now lasting 8-9 months – compared to the previous 3-4 months.
James said: “While we’re all affected by climate change, it’s the people least responsible who are bearing the heaviest burden. This past week, I’ve had the privilege of hearing from Malian refugees, like Momo, the 84-year-old community leader at Mbera camp, who told me, ‘The forest speaks a lot even if it is mute. The world must understand that the tree is suffering, that the tree cries out,’ and with Mariama Walet Almahdi, a Malian refugee who said, ‘Tell them we are thirsty, tell them we don’t have enough water for ourselves, our children, our cattle, our vegetables – we cannot survive’.”
Despite these challenges, James also witnessed the strength and determination of refugees, many of whom are spearheading local initiatives that benefit both the refugee and local communities. For example, he met with an all-volunteer refugee fire brigade that battles bushfires threatening both refugee settlements and local communities. This group has also planted thousands of trees to safeguard lives, support livelihoods and protect the environment.
“Their strength in the face of such overwhelming challenges drives my commitment to ensure their voices are heard. But it’s not enough to just listen, the situation is precarious, and action needs to happen, and it needs to happen now. These communities deserve more than just our attention; they need a seat at the table. That’s why I’m heading to COP29 – to stand alongside them and push for real, urgent change,” said James.
At COP29, James will collaborate with UNHCR to highlight these critical issues and advocate for global action to support displaced communities.
“We are grateful Theo James could meet refugees to understand their struggle and their strength. While we are doing all that we can, the pressure on the environment is enormous. The climate crisis exacerbates the already severe challenges faced by refugees. We hope Theo’s visit can shine light on the urgent needs of these communities, who are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Now is the time to act, before the situation worsens and lives are put further at risk,” said UNHCR Representative in Mauritania, Elizabeth Eyster.
UNHCR is heading to COP29 to advocate on behalf of refugees, displaced people, and their hosts, who are being hit the hardest by the impacts of climate change and are not getting the support they need. Their inclusion and meaningful participation in policy processes, financial support, and life-saving decisions is both their right and is essential for impactful solutions.
Media requests
For questions and media requests ahead of COP29, please contact:
- Stephanie Hazelwood, hazelwoo@unhcr.org, for Theo James participation at COP29
- Olga Sarrado, sarrado@unhcr.org, for UNHCR and COP29
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, water, and other necessities; help safeguard fundamental human rights; and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.
Originally published by UNHCR on 17 October 2024.
