A number of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors and supporters have released video messages in support of refugee families and asked the public to show solidarity by sharing their stories.
Over twenty celebrities from around the world, including best-selling authors Khaled Hosseini and Neil Gaiman, Chinese superstar Yao Chen, German actress Diane Kruger, singer Barbara Hendricks and Colombian pop music singer Juanes have released a series of 30 second videos supporting refugees and ahead of this year’s World Refugee Day on 20 June.
At a time when conflicts are forcing record numbers of people to flee their homes UNHCR is working with its Goodwill Ambassadors and other high profile supporters to tell refugee stories of courage and survival in a bid to bring more attention to the devastating impact of war on families.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said: “With violence uprooting more people than ever, we are facing unprecedented challenges protecting and helping them. We see the destruction of families and communities on a scale that is truly horrifying, and much more needs to be done to stop and resolve conflicts. These UNHCR supporters are helping us to tell the refugee story, a story of suffering, but also of extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity.”
The celebrity videos are part of a coordinated campaign ahead of World Refugee Day, June 20th. They will be hosted on a website that will also feature hundreds of refugee stories, starting today, 2 June
