Today is World Refugee Day

Today, June 20th, is World Refugee Day, where we focus our attention on the global refugee crisis and uplift the voices of refugees around the world.

Everyone has a right to seek safety- whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee. USA for UNHCR believes in the power of refugee voices, and as we reinforce the importance of the right to seek asylum, we strengthen our commitment to uplifting those voices as they tell their own stories. Please click here to add your name to this petition to say that every person has the right to seek safety.

Refugees are some of the most vulnerable people on earth, and they deserve to be celebrated for their bravery and resilience. More than 100 million people worldwide have fled because their homes are not safe. Today and every day, we stand with refugees, with those who have no other choice but to flee their homes or lose their lives.

USA for UNHCR is sharing stories of resettled refugees, and I found the story of Haya and Ghena inspiring:

"What do you feel?"
"We feel safe." 

When resettled refugee twin sisters Haya and Ghena hug their father, he asks them one simple question: What do you feel? The twins were born as refugees in Jordan after their family was forced to flee Iraq, so safety is always a priority for their father. Now that they're resettled in the United States, Haya and Ghena want others to understand the experiences of refugees and the importance of the right to seek safety.

“I really cherish that my dad and mom are still here and that they were so brave in that situation, and they provided us the safety so that we wouldn't have to feel that loss of safety,” Ghena shares.

You can click here to read the rest of their story.

Also, USA for UNHCR is highlighting a refugee ally story with Maggie Eckerstorfer, Rashika Shetty and Hadia Mohammadzadah, who are three refugee allies and early career healthcare professionals working at the University of Minnesota Mobile Health Initiative. The Mobile Health Initiative is delivering care to the refugee and immigrant community, including recently arrived Afghan families. Their stories showcase how communities around the country are stepping up to provide care.

You can read more about them, and watch their video, by clicking here.

And lastly, if you’re able to, please consider making a charitable donation to help refugees worldwide. Any amount is helpful, so whatever you’re able to give is so very much appreciated.

Thank you and happy World Refugee Day!