UNHCR Canada shows solidarity with LGBTQ refugees
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Canada, is calling for support for LGBTQ refugees forced to flee because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The launch of Pride Month in Toronto marks the kick-off of festivities scheduled throughout this summer...
Honduran refugee risks all riding the “beast” in Mexico
By Francesca Fontanini ACAYUCAN, Mexico – A cab driver in his native Honduras, Armando* had to cross a patchwork of street gang territories each working day, fearing for his life. “Every day it was a challenge to go to work, I did not know if I would return to my...
Somali refugee speaks of importance of giving Sadaqah during Ramadan
By Lauren La Rose In the 26 years since Ali was forced to leave Somalia, his heart and his thoughts have never strayed far from his war-ravaged homeland – especially during Ramadan. Civil war was among the reasons Ali left the eastern Africa nation in September of...
Elderly Somali refugee hopes to end her days with family
Somali refugee Fadumo Nour Zein, 81, sits on a metal bed in a UNHCR centre in western Romania, patting the knee of her 46-year-old daughter Fatima on her left and grandson Ali on her right. After years of uncertainty, she is finally happy. For 20 years Fadouma did not...
LGBTI and displaced people on the frontline of Ukraine conflict
Fighting is not the only thing driving people from their homes in eastern Ukraine. Persecution is also forcing LGBTI people to flee. When Viktor,* a 27-year-old gay man, opened his door to police one morning, he knew his secret was out. His claims of having a...
UNHCR Canada and Paramount Fine Foods CEO Mohamad Fakih to raise funds for Rohingya refugees
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Canada, is joining forces with Mohamad Fakih, President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, to raise funds for Rohingya refugees. The Fakih Foundation will match the highest donation amount raised by any Canadian business leader or...
Monsoon response effort in full swing as seasonal rains hit Bangladesh
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is rushing additional aid to Bangladesh where the first monsoon rains have been affecting Cox’s Bazar district and the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees there. The first of three scheduled humanitarian airlifts carrying additional...
UNHCR Canada and Paramount Fine Foods CEO Mohamad Fakih launch partnership on refugee integration
TORONTO – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Canada launched today a new partnership with Mohamad Fakih, the President and CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, to support the Agency’s work in support of refugees globally and in Canada. Mr. Fakih, who is also the Founder of the...