It’s been nearly three months since Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering what is now the world’s largest human displacement crisis, with 14 million people forced to flee. Lives have been lost, families torn apart. Antonina and her sister Natasha fled fighting in eastern Ukraine and have now found safety in Slovakia. “My home was destroyed. There is nothing to return to,” Natasha said. See how your support is helping refugees like Antonina and Natasha find their feet. In Cameroon’s Far North, water scarcity has sparked deadly clashes. The climate crisis is exacerbating competition for natural resources in the Sahel region, where temperatures are rising 1.5 times faster than the global average. After meeting with displaced families in Cameroon last month, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi is calling for reconciliation and more help for displaced communities. When the war came to her neighbourhood in Syria, Zuzan fled with her husband and three children to Jordan. However, once she arrived in Za’atari refugee camp, she realised that earning an income is an everyday struggle, especially for women. Zuzan decided to utilise her sewing skills and create employment opportunities for herself. Now, she is using her handicrafts to provide for her family.
In this edition, you'll also meet New Zealand's first ever refugee Member of Parliament, Golriz Ghahraman, who discusses her experience as a woman with a refugee background, and how it impacts her politics today. You’re invited to join our friends at OneStep Walks for their annual walk-and-talk World Refugee Day festival celebration on Sunday, 19 June 2022 at James Meehan Reserve, Dee Why. These community walks foster connections between refugee communities and the wider Australian community, helping to reduce the isolation felt by many who are new to Australia. Register here.
“There is no such thing as a ‘male’ or ‘female’ job.” Syrian refugee Zuzan Mostafa’s decision to work alongside her husband raised eyebrows, but it also provided her family with vital income in their new home in Jordan.
New Zealand’s first ever refugee Member of Parliament, Golriz Ghahraman, reflects on how her refugee background has helped her navigate political life.
You are invited to our annual World Refugee Day lunch on Thursday 16 June 2022. Join us for an in-person lunch in Sydney or livestream the event from home. Register now to hear first-hand from refugees, who will share their stories of courage and resilience.
