Olympics reunites refugee family
Early one morning as he woke up in his room at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, South Sudanese runner Yiech Pur Biel answered a call from a number he did not recognize and a voice came on the line he had not heard for a dozen years. “It was my mum,” says Biel, who was...
UNHCR deputy chief hails refugee team as ‘true Olympians’
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil—Hailing the first-ever refugee team as “true Olympians”, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly T. Clements has praised its 10 members of for helping to change world’s perception of refugees. “This team has captured the world’s attention and in a...
Hero’s welcome as refugee Olympians land in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya – Five South Sudanese athletes who have spent the last few weeks making history as part of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team returned to Kenya on Tuesday, where they were welcomed by friends, family and a troupe of Burundian drummers. The homecoming...
Refugee athletes set to leave for Rio Olympics and history
NAIROBI, Kenya—Amid tears of joy, farewell hugs and songs of encouragement a group of smiling young refugee African athletes flew out of Nairobi today bound for the Rio Olympics in Brazil and an appointment with history. Five middle-distance runners from South Sudan,...Canada’s Blue Rodeo stands with refugees
Canadian country rock band Blue Rodeo has partnered with UNHCR to record Stand Together with Refugees. In addition to their generous cash donation to support the Syrian refugee crisis late last year, Blue Rodeo continues to show its support for refugees worldwide...Global celebrities join campaign calling on governments to take action for refugees
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today launched a major campaign that asks the world to stand together #WithRefugees. In a stunning video message more than 60 global celebrities join with refugees and aid workers to echo the message, “we stand with refugees, please stand...
These 10 refugees will compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio
For the first time, a team of refugee athletes will compete under the Olympic flag. Since the modern Olympics began in 1896, over 200 national teams have vied for glory at the Summer and Winter Games. Now, for the first time, a team of refugees will compete as well....