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Refugees
Every week, thousands of refugees and migrants cross the Dari茅n jungle in search of safety and a better life. In 2023, over 520,000 people, mainly from Venezuela, Ecuador, Haiti, and parts of Africa and South Asia, made the journey. Despite promises from smugglers and social media of an easy passage, migrants often spend four to ten days navigating difficult terrain, carrying their belongings and small children in intense heat before reaching temporary migratory reception centres. Surveys conducted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees () show that about 70% of those arriving in the Dari茅n rely on social media for information, often downplaying the journey's risks. UNHCR鈥檚 鈥 initiative uses social media to share testimonies from refugees and migrants who have survived the crossing with others considering the journey.
was launched at the 缅北禁地Refugee Agency (UNHCR) meeting in Geneva, building on the campaign to foster collaboration among stakeholders and address the urgent issue of statelessness worldwide.
How is the recent mpox outbreak impacting refugees and displaced people in Africa? The surge in mpox cases has raised concerns about its potentially devastating impact on people living in crowded camps. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ( is currently working with partners to contain the outbreak. To gain more insight into the situation, UNHCR interviewed Dr. Allen Maina, Chief of Public Health at the 缅北禁地Refugee Agency, to understand what mpox is and how it is affecting refugees and other displaced people.
Guillaume Junior Atangana's historic third-place finish in the men鈥檚 400m at the Paris Paralympics, exemplifies the resilience and triumph of the and the power of sport to inspire hope among refugees.
A week before the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Guillaume Junior Atangana and his guide and fellow refugee Donard Nyamjua received a surprise call from the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons. Junior, as many call him, was overjoyed and touched when the President informed him that he would be carrying the flag into the Opening Ceremony for the , accompanied by Donard. Sport, and their determination to compete in another Paralympics, has helped them through some of their toughest moments. In Paris, Donard wants to send a message to other refugees and people with disabilities that 鈥渁nything is possible.鈥
On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) are hosting a (27- 28 August), focused on leveraging Para sport as a catalyst for advancing disability inclusion. It is estimated that over 15% of the world's population live with a disability, and yet disability inclusion as a social movement is often overlooked, underfunded and misunderstood. UNESCO and the IPC aim to advance collective efforts to remove barriers, fight stigma, and increase access to sports and physical activity for persons with disabilities.
impacts millions of people worldwide, limiting their lives. Millions of individuals across the globe are not recognized as citizens of any country. This lack of nationality has severe implications for their lives, affecting their access to education, societal inclusion and economic opportunities. As of the end of 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees () reported that 4.4 million people were stateless or of undetermined nationality. However, due to the lack of accurate data and the challenges in counting individuals without legal identity, the actual number is believed to be much higher.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games unite people and celebrate the human spirit, but there's still work to do to ensure inclusiveness in sports. Many people continue to face challenges in exercising their right to participate in sports, including athletes living in poverty, athletes who speak out, athletes with disabilities, refugees, the LGBTIQ+ community, women and indigenous peoples. A young paralympic Iraqi table tennis champion and a member of the Refugee Team, both participating in the Paralympic and Olympic Games in Paris this Summer, share their thoughts about inclusion and belonging in sports.
, an 800-meter runner, is among the 37 athletes representing the International Olympic Committee Refugee Olympic Team at the Paris Games. Fleeing conflict at age seven, she found refuge in Kenya鈥檚 Kakuma camp, where she also discovered her passion for sports. Now, Nakang is set to compete with the aim of achieving her personal best, embodying the resilience and determination of athletes overcoming adversity.
Claver Irakoze, who was 11 during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, sought refuge at a school in Kabgayi, only to witness government soldiers and militias targeting people for execution. Despite enduring profound trauma, he now speaks out to keep the memory of the genocide alive, advocating for remembrance and education to prevent such atrocities in the future.
As Sudan's crisis continues, Chad and South Sudan are increasingly affected, hosting over half of Sudan's more than two million war-displaced refugees who face heightened hunger worsened by the rainy season.
In Uganda, amidst the challenges of refugee life, women like Grace Poni, Annet Luka, and Veronica Konga have defied stereotypes and built brighter futures. Grace's determination as a skilled bricklayer has not only provided financial stability for her family in Imvempi Refugee Settlement but has also enabled her to construct her own home. Annet's resilience as the only female carpenter in Omugo II settlement showcases her commitment to challenging gender norms while envisioning a future where she mentors other women in carpentry. Meanwhile, Veronica's journey from subsistence farming to metal fabrication highlights her entrepreneurial spirit, aiming to establish her own business despite the obstacles of limited resources. These women exemplify the transformative impact of vocational training and empowerment programs, not only on their own lives but also on the communities that host them in Uganda.
"Thread of Hope" is an animated short film showcasing the resilience and creativity of refugee women, emphasizing empowerment through craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees 鈥 for a world where refugees are welcomed. Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating their strengths and achievements, and reflecting on their challenges. Solidarity with people forced to flee also means finding solutions to their plight 鈥 ending conflicts so they can return home safely, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them, and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.