UN Refugee Chief welcomes South Sudan’s government of national unity
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi welcomes the formation of a long-awaited unity government in South Sudan, bringing political rivals together to work for lasting peace. The new government follows the ‘Revitalised agreement on the resolution of...
Act now to alleviate suffering at reception centres on Greek islands – UNHCR’s Grandi
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi today called for urgent action to address the increasingly desperate situation of refugees and migrants in reception centres in the Aegean islands. Conditions in facilities on Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Leros are...
In 12 months Sahel violence displaces more than 700,000 in Burkina Faso
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners are facing severe challenges in accessing...
Toronto refugee shelter provides safety and opportunity for newcomers
In the midst of a city-wide housing crisis, a local shelter gives newcomers the tools to find a stable beginning. By Lidia Abraha When Janet* landed in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport from Uganda, she was immediately taken to the Willowdale Welcome...
Ethiopian refugees in Kenya make an emotional return home
Dozens of refugees return home to eastern Ethiopia from Kenya’s Kakuma camp. By Catherine Wachiaya in Nairobi, Kenya Ever since Ardo Hassan Kowdan fled Ethiopia to Kenya 11 years ago, she had dreamed of the day she could go home. As she boarded a plane in Kakuma, in...
Refugee voices: Inspiring stories of young refugees in Canada
Youth Ottawa and UNHCR Canada teamed up to share the powerful stories of young refugees in Ottawa Edited by Hodman Ali in Ottawa, Canada During the summer 2019, UNHCR Canada partnered with Youth Ottawa on a storytelling initiative supporting youth engagement. Three...
Helping refugees find jobs that match their skills and experience through mentorship
With the support of Canadian mentors, refugees learn how to get started on the local job market By Rana Khan in Toronto, Canada For newly arrived refugees, finding a job is an important part of integrating into a new community, and it can give them a renewed sense of...
First major group of Ethiopian refugees return home from Kenya
A group of 76 Ethiopian refugees have voluntarily returned home from Kenya’s Kakuma camp today. This marks the first major voluntary repatriation program for Ethiopian refugees in the country. The movement, supported by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the...