The UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) prestigious Nansen Award is shining a light on the people proving that compassion and solidarity with displaced communities remain strong – even in some of the most difficult places on earth. This year’s honourees include five remarkable laureates from Cameroon, Mexico, Ukraine, Iraq and Tajikistan, each recognised for their courage,…
By day, Sodaba Khinjani might help clean your teeth at the dentist’s office. Rabia Yaqobi might make your next meal. But after their work days, the Afghan refugees can be found on the pitch—forging their own path on the soccer pitch as part of the Houston Shine FC. Khinjani and Yaqobi are some of the…
Earlier this week, 10 countries recognised Palestinian statehood. With them, the number of UN member states recognising Palestine as a state have reached 157 out of 193. This means the vast majority of the world accepts the Palestinians have a state. And yet they continue to be treated as if they do not, with many…
Athens, Greece – Greece has drawn criticism and concern from rights groups and a United Nations office after passing what it considers to be the European Union’s strictest refugee deportation policy earlier this month. The law was put to use on September 12, when three Turkish citizens were convicted of illegal residence and handed stiff…
Herat, Afghanistan – At the Islam Qala border, the relentless wind carries stinging dust that clings to skin as temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), transforming the ground into a scorching furnace. Families huddle in narrow strips of shade, children protecting their faces with scarves as they await assistance. For many, this…
Thousands are being forced to go back to Afghanistan as Tehran tightens controls on immigration. For decades, tens of thousands of Afghans – who have fled war and poverty and sought a better future – have crossed into neighbouring Iran. Tehran has largely been lenient towards members of this community. But in recent years, Iranians…
Afghans given Sunday deadline amid concerns over security after conflict with Israel, but humanitarian groups warn that mass deportations could further destabilise Afghanistan. Millions of Afghan migrants and refugees in Iran have been asked to leave or face arrest as a deadline set by the government comes to an end. Sunday’s target date neared amid…
On World Refugee Day, displaced Africans face the worst conditions yet as conflict and disasters increase, aid plummets and borders tighten. The number of displaced Africans has doubled since 2018. For the 14th consecutive year, conflict and climate change have driven record numbers of people from their homes. Changes in national priorities, economic uncertainty and…
A funding shortfall is forcing WFP and other humanitarian organizations to cut assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people Omnia and her young son stand in line under a harsh midday sun, waiting for the daily hot lunch for newcomers at Uganda’s Kiryandongo refugee settlement. Exhaustion is etched on the face of this…
