Thank you to our supporters for your generous gifts to our recent appeal for Afghanistan. Three earthquakes hit the province of Herat earlier this month, killing more than a thousand people. Twelve villages were completely destroyed in the quakes.

With your support, UNHCR has provided tents, blankets, gas cookers and other relief items to help people stay warm at night and prepare hot meals. The earthquakes have further exacerbated the situation of already vulnerable communities. They also come as temperatures begin to drop across the country. If you haven’t had a chance to donate to our Afghanistan appeal and would like to, you can do so here.

This October, we highlight the looming Northern Hemisphere winter. In addition to Afghanistan, UNHCR is focused on Ukraine and Syria, where winters are also bitterly cold. Refugees and displaced people need your support to survive these harsh conditions. Read more about how your gift can help millions of people who’ve fled conflict or persecution prepare for the winter ahead.  

Australia for UNHCR CEO, Trudi Mitchell and Board Chair, Professor Peter Shergold recently returned from a field trip to Kenya and Uganda – two countries that host large numbers of refugees. They share their experiences of meeting refugees living in harsh conditions, and how your support is making a difference on the ground.

This month we’re proud to launch a new global petition: Hope Away from Home. UNHCR is calling on world leaders to protect the rights of people fleeing war, violence and persecution. Sign our petition now so that we can take your message to world leaders at December’s Global Refugee Forum and help ensure people seeking safety can do so without discrimination.

It’s time to strap on your walking shoes and join our Stepping with Refugees challenge! This November, walk in support of refugees and displaced people while raising vital funds for Australia for UNHCR.  Be inspired by three stories from people forced to flee.