Refugees wrapped in blankets and winter clothing cross the Macedonia-Serbia border in freezing temperatures in this January 2016 file photo. © UNHCR/Igor Pavicevic
Displaced Mosul family denounce torture
Haidar and his sister doubted they would survive torture by extremists in Iraq’s second largest city. Now, with UNHCR’s help, they are confronting their experiences. By: Catherine Robinson | 10 January 2017 DUHOK, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Every time Haidar* sees...
Christian community welcomes Syrian family to Canada
A Hutterite community in Manitoba finds common ground and strong friendship with the Syrian refugee family they helped to resettle. In November 2016, as cold winds swept across the Canadian prairie, Najwa and Reyad Al Hamoud welcomed their third child into the world....
Refugee given second chance in Canada
Given the opportunity to start over in Toronto, Thuy Nguyen pledged to return the favour one day. Now, she is helping the Nouman family from Syria begin a new life. By: Leyland Cecco and Annie Sakkab in Toronto, Canada When Thuy Nguyen first greeted the anxious Syrian...
Amid the ruins of Aleppo, UNHCR sees signs of hope
Syria Representative Sajjad Malik says 261,000 residents have received winter aid, but needs persist as many shelter in damaged buildings and informal camps. ALEPPO, Syria– UN agencies are rushing to provide urgent aid to the civilians of Aleppo and are finding...
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...
Aleppo – a look behind the numbers
Frontline humanitarian workers capture the heartache and hopes of the recently displaced in and around Aleppo. With so much attention on the numbers of people fleeing fighting, UNHCR staff and partners on the ground share a rare glimpse into the lives of those...
East Aleppo residents tell of horror, cold and hunger
As they find safety in west Aleppo, displaced residents from the devastated east of the city describe the violence and shortages that led them to run for their lives. ALEPPO, Syria – Hunger finally drove 16-year-old Mohammad and his family to abandon their home in...
Syrian seamstress becomes a part of community fabric
With the help of sponsors, Rabiaa Al Soufi’s skills have become a valued part of one tight-knit community in Nova Scotia, Canada. By Leyland Cecco and Annie Sakkab in Antigonish, Canada When a local hockey coach phoned Rabiaa Al Soufi, she didn’t hesitate before...