As you may have seen in the news,a powerful cyclone struck Bangladesh and Myanmar on the 14th of May, destroying homes in Cox’s Bazar - where nearly one million Rohingya refugees live in flimsy shelters - and inflicting devastation on neighbouring communities in Myanmar. With your support, UNHCR is working with authorities, humanitarian partners and refugees to reach those most in need. When massive earthquakes shook Syria and Türkiye earlier this year, Sally gave birth to her son Khodor amidst the destruction and chaos. Khodor was born safely in Syria, however the family lost their home and are now sheltering in a school that has been converted into a makeshift shelter. Your support of our Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal is providing shelter and essential supplies to families like Sally’s. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi visited Sydney last month. At a donor lunch, he thanked our supporters for their generous contributions to the UN Refugee Agency’s vital work and provided many insights into the challenges facing the world’s refugees and displaced people. It has been a month since renewed fighting broke out in Sudan. With no end to the violence in sight, people are desperately seeking safety and protection, both inside Sudan and in neighbouring countries. Arafa and her two young children fled Sudan and have now found safety in Egypt, however their future feels far from secure. “I lost my home, my husband, and my country in the blink of an eye,” Arafa said. Read her story and see how you can help refugees like Arafa. Next month is World Refugee Day, when we celebrate the courage and resilience of people who have been forced to flee war, conflict and persecution, and rebuild their lives far from home. Our annual event will be held on the 15th of June and will focus on the transformative power of sport to improve the lives of refugee children, including those who have been separated from their families. Throughout June, we'll be sharing inspirational stories of athletes from refugee backgrounds. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come.
Cyclone Mocha devastates Myanmar and Bangladesh Since making landfall on 14 May, Cyclone Mocha has had a devastating impact on homes and infrastructure, affecting millions of people in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
“I went into labour before the due date.” Sally’s miracle story of giving birth amidst the chaos of the Syrian earthquakes highlights the desperate and dangerous situation many displaced people are faced with. With your support, UNHCR is providing families with shelter and life-saving aid.
High Commissioner for Refugees visits Australia Last month we welcomed the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, to Sydney. At a donor lunch, the High Commissioner provided many insights into the challenges facing the world’s refugees and displaced people.
Escaping Sudan: A story of survival Conflict in Sudan is forcing thousands of people from their homes. More than 840,000 people are displaced and almost 250,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries. Behind every number is a story of survival and resilience.
Refugee stories To celebrate World Refugee Day next month, we’ll be sharing inspirational stories of athletes from refugee backgrounds. From a Syrian swimmer to a South Sudanese footballer, each person has their own incredible story of how sport has helped them survive and find their place in the world. Watch a sneak peek of what’s to come!
You're invited to Australia for UNHCR’s World Refugee Day event on Thursday 15 June at the Fullerton Hotel in Martin Place, Sydney. The event will be hosted by award-winning ABC journalist and broadcaster Tracey Holmes.
