With You

The newsletter for Australians supporting the UN Refugee Agency | 2017 Issue 1 African food crisis Millions of people face starvation as countries teeter on the brink of famine

INSIDE On the brink of famine – Africa’s growing food crisis We stand together #WithRefugees A tale of two cities The Kyaka II Vocational Training Centre A day in the life of a UNHCR Emergency Coordinator Fresh approaches to refugee assistance

Without us, refugees can experience dangerous gaps in vital aid. With us, they receive the practical assistance and protection they so desperately need. Contents Welcome

03 Thank you for giving refugees a place to call home

04 On the brink of famine – Africa’s growing good crisis

06 We stand together #WithRefugees Australia for UNHCR – please sign the petition and stand with us Naomi Steer in Galkayo, Somalia, 2011.

07 In February, South Sudan’s declaration of malnourished child has a 98% chance of A tale of two cities famine signalled a dangerous new phase survival if they receive timely therapeutic in Africa’s growing food crisis. feeding and care. Every donation to 08 With refugees among those most at risk, our African Food Crisis appeal has the The Kyaka II Vocational UNHCR is once again on the frontline. potential to save a child’s life and I hope Training Centre I was in Somalia in 2011, when famine was you will respond if you haven’t already declared for the first time in 20 years. In done so. 10 a hospital in Galkayo, I saw firsthand the We must not also forget the many refugees A day in the life of a UNHCR desperate condition of the people arriving who, having survived conflict and hunger, Emergency Coordinator that day. They had seen their last cow die; now need our help to look to the future. they had buried their children on the way; Our support for a vocational training centre 12 they were no longer able to breastfeed in Uganda is vital for giving young people Fresh approaches their hungry babies. skills, jobs and hope (p.8). to refugee assistance That experience was the catalyst Finally, I urge you to go online and sign for Australia for UNHCR’s first major UNHCR’s #WithRefugees petition (p.6). 14 emergency appeal. In the following You’ll be adding your voice to a global Run with team UNHCR weeks, we raised over $5.5 million to movement to protect the rights of refugees fund emergency feeding programmes in – at a time when many governments 15 Ethiopian refugee camps near the Somali around the world are closing their doors. Stories from the frontline border. This was the largest contribution Thank you for standing with refugees, those programmes received from a single and for the hope and help you give organisation and it had an extraordinary them through your support for Australia impact. One year later, I visited the camps for UNHCR. again and spoke to healthy, hopeful Cover image: Best wishes, A child has his arm measured with a MUAC people who, 12 months before, had been (mid upper arm circumference) band to screen on the brink of starvation. for malnutrition. We must not be overwhelmed by crises Photo credit: Australia for UNHCR like this. As Dr Ekutan says on p.4 of Naomi Steer, National Director this With You, even the most severely Follow me on Twitter @NaomiCSteer

Our new website goes live! Australia for UNHCR has a fresh look online with the launch of our new website. We hope our supporters will find the new site inspiring and empowering — and easy to access on all mobile devices.

www.unrefugees.org.au

2 With You | 2017 Issue 1 THANK YOU

Thank you for giving UNHCR/ Sebastian Rich

Australian donations have sheltered some of refugees a place to the most vulnerable refugees, including these children living in Al Jamea’a camp in Iraq, call home pictured with UNHCR officer Harith Al Janabi.

Over the festive season, Australia Globally, UNHCR supporters have moved from refugee camps into rental for UNHCR supporters joined helped to provide thousands of UNHCR accommodation. Their living conditions a global campaign to support tents for use in emergency settings are often substandard and their earning UNHCR’s shelter infrastructure. as well as sturdy modular housing units capacity poor. With your support, for use in established camp settings. UNHCR has helped vulnerable Syrian You responded generously and in You have helped to construct dozens families insulate their homes against overwhelming numbers, donating of temporary shelters out of timber the cold and cover the cost of rent, nearly $770,000 to the cause. and tarpaulins, giving thousands heating and electricity. of people a roof over their heads. “I was very happy when I got You also provided other vital components this shelter. The walls protect of shelter – the floor mats, bedding, heaters, stoves and insulation materials us from extreme heat, extreme that helped thousands of displaced cold and the rain. They also families stay warm and dry during the give us a sense of privacy. northern winter. This was particularly We feel more comfortable crucial in northern Iraq, where UNHCR Australia for UNHCR has a fresh look online now that we’re under this roof. has distributed tents and shelter items Now, things will be better.” with the launch of our new website. We hope for 390,000 families fleeing the war-torn our supporters will find the new site inspiring city of Mosul. Raafa, a Syrian mother of four, recently moved with her husband and children and empowering — and easy to access on all Syrian refugees also felt the warmth into a sturdy, well-insulated refugee mobile devices. of your kindness this Christmas. housing unit in the Lebanese city After years in exile, many Syrians living of Saida. www.unrefugees.org.au in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan have

2017 Issue 1 | With You 3 COVER STORY

Six month old Joseph from South Sudan receives a fortified milk mixture as part of his treatment regime at the stabilisation centre in Kakuma refugee

Australia for UNHCR settlement in Kenya. On the brink of famine Africa’s growing food crisis

As famine is declared in parts arrived in the camp in the past week. malaria. He will stay in the ward for of South Sudan and a devastating Already poorly nourished in South Sudan, at least two weeks and receive tube food crisis spreads across Africa, they have survived on nothing but roots feeding and intravenous fluids. The we visit a stabilisation centre and leaves on their journey to the other babies will immediately undergo Kenyan border. an 8 to 10 day regime of enriched in a refugee settlement in Kenya milk formula before being put onto that is treating hundreds of On arrival at UNHCR’s reception centre Plumpy’Nut™, a high calorie therapeutic malnourished refugees from in Kakuma, both mothers and babies paste widely used in the treatment South Sudan. underwent immediate health checks of severe malnutrition in children. and assessments. They were registered as severely acutely malnourished and Despite the severity of the children’s The stabilisation centre is attached referred to the stabilisation centre for condition, the recovery rate for malnutrition to the hospital in the Kakuma refugee emergency feeding and treatment. cases at the Kakuma stabilisation centre settlement in Kenya. For the past three is 98%. Without treatment, severely years, Kakuma has been receiving large The centre’s head nutritionist is Dr Jonah malnourished infants of this age are at risk influxes of refugees from war-torn South Ekutan. Over the past year, he has of death or lifelong health problems like Sudan, many of whom arrive in a severely seen increasing rates of severe acute stunting and cognitive impairment. malnourished state, requiring immediate malnutrition among the South Sudanese therapeutic feeding. refugees. Children are now showing the The mothers in the ward are also symptoms of starvation: emaciated limbs, receiving high energy foods to regain With South Sudan’s Unity State officially in swollen bellies, dry skin and lethargy. their strength and restore their breast famine and many other parts of the country Dr Ekutan explains that malnutrition is milk. “If the mother is healthy, the child suffering severe food shortages, nutrition always dangerous in young children is also,” says Dr Ekutan. “When properly facilities like this one in Kakuma are now but the risks are often compounded by fed in the hospital, their milk comes in crisis mode. illnesses like gastroenteritis and malaria. back and they are able to feed their Today, a group of mothers sit together babies again.” This is the case for five-month-old in the inpatients ward, holding their tiny Anyahou, the smallest and weakest baby babies in their arms. All of them have in the group, who is also suffering from

4 With You | 2017 Issue 1 A looming humanitarian catastrophe Help UNHCR respond

While famine has been officially declared in South Sudan, three other countries — Countries in the Food Crisis Zone Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen — are all on the verge of a famine declaration. Refugee populations elsewhere in Africa are March 2017 suffering severe food shortages and the United Nations has sounded the alarm of a looming humanitarian catastrophe. MAURITANA With conflict and displacement by drought DJIBOUTI SUDAN being major causes of the crisis, UNHCR is CHAD YEMEN at the forefront of the emergency response. We have teams on the ground in all ten affected countries, including the famine NIGERIA SOUTH ETHIOPIA zone in Unity State, South Sudan. SUDAN

• We are supporting emergency feeding CAMEROON SOMALIA programs and nutrition facilities like UGANDA KENYA the Stabilisation Centre in Kakuma. BURKINA RWANDA • We are supplying emergency nutrition FASO — fortified milks, micronutrient powders and ready-to-use therapeutic foods like BURUNDI Plumpy’Nut™. FAMINE SEVERE FOOD SHORTAGES • We are working to maintain basic food rations in refugee camps “We’re doing what we can to ensure refugees are given life-saving and displacement sites and critical care. We need now for the international community to take providing clean water infrastructure to prevent diarrhoeal diseases action through funding humanitarian appeals. We urgently need that compound malnutrition. their assistance.” Charlie Yaxley, UNHCR Spokesperson in Uganda

- 42% - Your support of South Sudan’s population is at risk of famine – with some is needed urgently areas already affected Your donation can provide life-saving nutritional Another support and services across the Food Crisis Zone - 3 countries - in Africa and Yemen. (Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen) are on the verge of famine $ $ $ 20 million 128 316 812 people across Africa can supply fortified can provide life-saving can help provide face critical food shortages therapeutic milk Plumpy’Nut™ paste a paediatric nurse for severely to achieve safe and medical At least malnourished and rapid weight supplies in a 1 million children infants and babies gain in children feeding centre are at imminent risk of death from severe acute malnutrition To make a donation, visit unrefugees.org.au/food or call 1300 361 288

2017 Issue 1 | With You 5 STAND WITH US

We stand together #WithRefugees UNHCR/ Holland Hereward

Each day war forces thousands of families to flee Please sign their homes. People like you, people like me. To escape the violence, they leave everything the petition behind – everything except their hopes and dreams for a safer future. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and stand believes that all refugees deserve to live in safety. with us. Sign the #WithRefugees petition today and add your voice to a global movement to protect the rights of refugees.

www.unrefugees.org.au/withrefugees

Help UNHCR ensure that: • every refugee family has somewhere safe to live. • every refugee child receives an education. • every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community.

The #WithRefugees campaign calls on citizens across the world to back the New York Declaration, a commitment by the governments of 193 countries to establish a ‘Global Compact for Refugees’. UNHCR is leading the development of this Global Compact. As part of this process it will present the final #WithRefugees petition to the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, to represent the voices of citizens from around the world.

6 With You | 2017 Issue 1 MOSUL, IRAQ

A tale of two cities UNHCR/ Ivor Prickett UNHCR steps up its emergency operations as conflicts in both Syria and Iraq enter a critical new phase

“There were so many mortars and helped to ensure displaced families also begun in earnest. UNHCR and its falling. We had no rice, no have access to food, water and electricity. partners are assisting with urgent building UNHCR has also erected large tented repairs and the restoration of key services bread, no milk. There was reception halls to the south of the city including water, electricity, sewerage nothing for the children.” to act as temporary reception centres and damaged roads. 35-year-old Kifah, arriving with his wife as the battle for western Mosul rages on. and children at a UNHCR reception centre Parents are now asking when outside western Mosul Aleppo, Syria the schools will reopen. During As fighting intensifies in the Iraqi city of the siege of the city, desperate Mosul, UNHCR is on the ground, helping residents sought refuge in families trapped inside the embattled many school buildings and western enclave of the city and providing were forced to use the wooden emergency shelter for those who have furniture as firewood. managed to flee.

Meanwhile, UNHCR relief deliveries Relief agencies are hurrying to install are now reaching families in areas of prefabricated classrooms with UNHCR eastern Mosul freed from militant control. providing school kits for students, along

After two years of occupation and months UNHCR/ Bassam Diab with counselling and support. of heavy bombardment, they are suffering Concerns remain for people trapped acute shortages of food, fuel, clean water The displaced residents of Aleppo have by the fighting in towns to the east and power. begun returning to their devastated homes, and south-west of Aleppo. UNHCR following a government offensive to retake has called for an immediate cease- Shelter is the single greatest need the city last year. in the UNHCR-run camps in the fire to evacuate civilians and deliver surrounding region. So far, we have With the eastern and western life-saving aid. provided tents and core relief items neighbourhoods of the city now fully for almost half a million people accessible, the humanitarian work has

2017 Issue 1 | With You 7 PROJECT UPDATE

Australia for UNHCR Board Member Kate Dundas, National Director Naomi Steer, and Women’s Project Committee member Pamela Gilbert stand with staff from UNHCR education partner Windle Trust at the Kyaka II Vocational Training Centre building site, Uganda. Funded by Australian donations, the centre will offer accredited livelihood Australia for UNHCR The Kyaka II Vocational training for refugees. Training Centre Building a brighter future for young refugees

On a hillside in south-west Uganda, Youth unemployment is a serious issue a mechanics garage, an administration the first sod is being turned on a in Kyaka II. Around 94% of the refugees office, staff accommodation, student project that is set to transform the are under 35 years of age and, of these, dormitories and sanitation facilities. lives of thousands of young people. more than half are post primary school age. There is an urgent need for programs The centre will be open to young people to help these young people become from both the refugee settlement and This is Kyaka II refugee settlement, self-reliant, integrate more fully with the local community, encouraging social home to 27,000 people from Ugandan society and reduce their cohesion and regional development. surrounding countries. The need for humanitarian aid. An initial eleven courses have been refugees living here have freedom Australia for UNHCR’s National Director identified as most relevant to the demands of movement and the right to Naomi Steer recently visited the proposed of the local job market. For example, work, but the young people lack building site. “We hope this training centre in response to a regional shortage of opportunities for skills training will be transformative for the youth of qualified construction workers, courses will be offered in bricklaying, concreting, and employment. Kyaka II,” she said. “Currently there are very few outlets for the young people here carpentry and joinery. The agricultural to upskill. We hope that by building this sciences will also feature strongly in an To address this need, Australia for centre, we can give them useful skills in effort to boost crop yields and help local UNHCR is preparing to fund the carpentry, hospitality, electronics, sewing, families move beyond subsistence farming. construction of a new Vocational motor mechanics – a whole range of Construction work on the project is Training Centre in Kyaka II. Just like trades and services that will help them expected to take up to two years to a TAFE college, the centre will offer earn an income and become independent.” complete. For the following three years, accredited training in a wide range Australia for UNHCR will maintain its of trades — from hairdressing to A pathway out of poverty support for the centre, after which time welding and motor mechanics. it will be handed over to the Ugandan Plans for the centre include multiple government and local community. workshops and lecture rooms,

8 With You | 2017 Issue 1 Australia for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR

The ReHOPE approach Return to Nakivale

The average refugee remains displaced for a staggering Australia for UNHCR has a strong track record in Uganda 20 years, forcing a global rethink on how we can best as the founding donor for a number of successful education support refugee families in exile. and training facilities.

ReHOPE is a new self-reliance strategy being implemented With your help, six years ago we funded the construction in Uganda to better meet the needs of long-term refugees of the first secondary school in the Nakivale refugee and host communities. Instead of keeping refugees confined settlement in south-west Uganda. We followed this to the fringes of society, ReHOPE projects focus on giving up with another major project in Nakivale, establishing them education, skills training and livelihood support that will a Community Technology Access Centre to provide allow them to contribute to their host communities and the refugees with computer training and business skills. local economy. With work set to begin on the Kyaka II Vocational Training In line with the ReHOPE guidelines, the Vocational Training Centre, our National Director Naomi Steer returned to Centre in Kyaka II will require the refugees to pay a nominal Nakivale to see how these facilities have continued to fee for the training they receive. This has been shown flourish with ongoing support from the community. to increase the students’ commitment to their studies, protecting their dignity and giving them an active say and “The secondary school first opened its doors to 145 students stake in their future. Scholarships will be available for those and today there are over 1000 students attending,” Naomi young people unable to pay and, upon graduation, they said. “There are new classrooms, science labs, a girls’ will all receive start-up kits for their business, containing dormitory, teacher accommodation, and the facilities are still the basic tools and materials of their trade. expanding. What impressed me most was the commitment from the parent and teacher body to make the school “We hope that by building this centre, a centre of excellence. As National Director of Australia we can give these young people a whole for UNHCR, I am very proud that we and our donors have played a big part in that.” range of trades that will help them earn an income and become independent.” The Australian-funded computer training centre is also doing well. An average of 52 people pay a nominal fee Naomi Steer, National Director of Australia for UNHCR speaking at the site of the proposed Kyaka II Vocational to use the facilities each day and some 1850 refugees, Training Centre. most of them young men and women, have undertaken its certified training courses. The staff now have plans to set up mobile centres to improve technology access in far-flung areas of the settlement. Australia for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR

2017 Issue 1 | With You 9 Australia for UNHCR

FROM THE FIELD

A day in the life of a UNHCR Emergency Coordinator A snapshot of life in the field “The days start early M Farman-Farmaian and end late around here. When an emergency strikes, Massoumeh There are lots Photoof Creditchallenges. Farman-Farmaian is sent Luckily we have very to coordinate UNHCR’s response on the ground. committed staff!” Massoumeh is currently deployed in Uganda, supporting the many thousands of refugees from South Sudan who have been arriving since 6.00am My alarm clock rings. Another day begins in Bidibidi, last July, when fresh violence the refugee settlement where I’m working. Since I arrived, broke out in their homeland. over 333,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda searching for safety. They arrive exhausted, hungry and distressed. Refugees report having seen horrific scenes: violence, killings, rape and forced recruitment.

7.00am I gather my team for a quick daily meeting. The days start early and end late around here. There are lots of challenges. Luckily we have very committed staff!

Five months ago there was nothing here – just bush. Today, there are schools, health clinics and a market. UNHCR and its partners have managed to get over 27,000 children into school. There are even two secondary schools, which is unusual at this stage of an emergency.

8.00am I head out to visit the new reception centre and check that everything is in place for refugees to be registered, given a hot meal and a safe place to spend the night. The day after their arrival, each family is given a plot of land by the Ugandan government. UNHCR provides them with plastic sheets and poles to build their own shelters, as well as items like blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen sets and soap.

10 With You | 2017 Issue 1 Australia for UNHCR

1.00pm I meet with a potential partner organisation to see what activities they can provide to refugees in Bidibidi. It’s important to give refugees a chance to learn new skills so they can make a positive contribution here and when they go home.

3.00pm I stop by a new set of water taps being built. Making sure that refugees have enough water every day is a

challenge. Right now, UNHCR and its M Farman-Farmaian partners are trucking in water, but this is very expensive so we are looking into other sustainable sources. We also have “Five months ago –there just to take the local communities into account. We try to serve their needs was nothing here too, to make sure their water supply is bush. Today, there are not threatened by the arrival of schools, health clinics so many refugees. and a market.”

5.00pm I head back to the container we use as an office. I still have many reports to write before I can call it a day. On the way, I meet five young refugees playing with homemade toys – trucks and cars made of cardboard, bottle caps and old flip flops cut out in the shape of wheels – you have no idea how creative they are! It’s the highlight of my day.

M Farman-Farmaian

11.00pm Time to get some rest. There is so much to be done, but also many opportunities. Many of the refugees are eager to continue their education and start work. Creating jobs and helping them to become self-reliant is crucial to restoring their dignity.

Every emergency operation is different, and every day has its challenges. But when you see that you actually helped just one person today, this makes it all worthwhile.

M Farman-Farmaian

2017 Issue 1 | With You 11 INNOVATION

Fresh approaches

to refugee UNHCR Noy / F.

Briquette-making programmes, such as this one in assistance Uganda, empower refugees to support themselves and their families through livelihood activities.

UNHCR’s Innovation Unit uses Fuelling safety for refugee women “More than ever we need new technologies to find creative In 2014, the Innovation Unit issued designers, entrepreneurs – solutions to problems faced by a challenge to come up with an anyone with a commitment refugees and displaced people. environmentally friendly livelihood to change – to work with us From bio-fuels to pop-up tents and project that would also protect to create the most dignified iris scanning, they are transforming refugee women from sexual violence. existence possible for those UNHCR’s humanitarian response. The winning idea was Biomass Briquette who are forcibly displaced.” Making, a project described by its creator Corinne Gray, Engagement Lead, UNHCR as an energy, safety and livelihoods Innovation Unit intervention rolled into one. Refugee women are now able to enrol in Working in refugee camps in Ghana, briquette-making programmes in Uganda, UNHCR staffer Nii Ako Sowa observed Cameroon, Chad and Ghana, giving them that a reliance on depleting natural a chance to develop financial literacy resources was placing women at risk and support their families. as they ventured into isolated areas to collect firewood. “One refugee told me this is the kind of project they want to see,” said Nii Ako. His biomass briquettes are a powerful, “They feel they will gain skills that will low-emission fuel made from dried make them more marketable upon their biodegradable materials such as banana return to their countries.” peels, groundnuts, cassava flour, saw dust and elephant grass. They burn for longer than charcoal or firewood and produce A lifeline for urban refugees less smoke, making them a healthier The vast majority of Syrian refugees don’t alternative for the community. live in camps. In fact, some 85 per cent live in cities and towns, trying to create some semblance of a normal family life.

12 With You | 2017 Issue 1 UNHCR/ J. Matas UNHCR/ J. UNHCR Noy / F.

Fraud-proof ATMs that use iris-scanning instead of cards empower refugees, particularly women, to use their allowance to make their own decisions.

But after nearly six years in exile, many With 98% of funds going directly to the have exhausted what little savings they refugees, it avoids the usual transport THE FACTS had and are sinking deeper into poverty and storage overheads associated with and despair. Work permits are difficult aid delivery. Cash assistance also allows to obtain and many refugees resort to refugees to support the local economy, 640,000 desperate measures to survive. helping them build bonds with their Syrian refugees host community. Since 2012, UNHCR has been providing in Jordan the most vulnerable urban refugees Thanks to the success of this programme, in Jordan with monthly cash assistance, UNHCR has recently announced its plans delivered at select ATMs by way of fraud- to double funds for cash assistance proof iris scanning technology. projects worldwide by 2020. 87% live below the A family of five receives about 100 “The use of cash-based poverty line Jordanian dinars ($196 AUD) a month. assistance has been a real Average monthly rent is 121 JD ($237 AUD) and a month’s worth of groceries cost game changer in the way we around 50 JD ($98). help refugees. We have now 98% decided to make it a worldwide of cash assistance This small allowance makes a huge policy and expand it to all our spent on basic needs difference for refugee families. Receiving aid this way means they are able to make operations, where feasible.” their own decisions about their needs, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High providing choice and dignity. People with Commissioner for Refugees 2/3 children, medical conditions or disabilities of eligible refugees receive might each make different choices about cash assistance what is essential. – with many more on the waiting list UNHCR project monitoring has shown cash assistance to be both efficient and effective.

2017 Issue 1 | With You 13 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

City2Surf Run The world’s largest fun run is back for another year on 13 August. with Team Commit to raise $1,000 and we’ll cover your entry cost and give you a Team UNHCR UNHCR singlet to wear on the day. After you cross the finish line, you can join Australia for UNHCR on Bondi As the 2017 running season Beach to celebrate with a well-earned gets underway, we’re putting massage and snacks to refuel. Australia for UNHCR the call out to you and your friends to join Team UNHCR and run for refugees. Whether you are looking to break a record, or are just happy Run Melbourne to make it to the finish line, Run Melbourne takes place on 30 July, we’ll be there to support offering a range of distances to suit you every step of the way. every participant: 5km, 10km or the You can participate in lots half-marathon. of events across the country Commit to raise $1,000 and we’ll cover as part of Team UNHCR. your entry cost and give you a Team If you don’t see something UNHCR singlet to wear on the day. here that takes your fancy, head on over to our website Team UNHCR will be there waiting Australia for UNHCR at www.teamunhcr.org.au for you in Federation Square! and find an activity that suits you. Huma Charity Challenge Keen for something a little different? This year, Australia for UNHCR has partnered with Huma Charity Challenge to give you the chance to become an adventure fundraiser.

Whether it’s trekking the Inca Trail, cycling South East Asia or climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, you can find the Australia for UNHCR experience that’s right for you at the Team UNHCR website.

At a recent ceremony in Sydney, our National Director Naomi Steer accepted a large donation from the Vietnamese community in Australia. A series of successful community events held by the group last year have now raised an incredible $550,000 for UNHCR’s emergency response operations. “People who leave everything behind and risk their lives over the sea or over the mountain, it is a difficult decision to make and we cannot take it lightly.” Dr Tien Nguyen (left) describes how the Vietnamese people understand firsthand the difficulty of fleeing one’s homeland. Australia for UNHCR for Australia

14 With You | 2017 Issue 1 MISSIONS TO AUSTRALIA

Stories © UNHCR/ Susan Hopper Susan UNHCR/ © from the UNHCR for Australia frontline

Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams UNHCR Emergency Thomas Mukoya | Photojournalist Coordinator Award-winning photojournalist Thomas Mukoya was recently in Australia as the guest of Australia for UNHCR. Based in Nairobi, Thomas has spent his career When a refugee emergency covering major events across East Africa, including many refugee emergencies. is declared, it is Joung-ah At packed donor briefings in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, he shared the stories Ghedini-Williams’ job to help behind his captivating images. launch the global appeal that will help to fund UNHCR’s response. “Working with Australia for UNHCR is an opportunity for me to share stories of the Visiting Australia from Geneva, displaced in Africa,” said Thomas. “I consider myself a bridge between refugees she spoke to Australia for UNHCR and people living in Australia, as through my pictures I present their experiences staff and supporters about her of resilience, hope, challenge and love.” experiences in conflict zones and the value of individual giving.

“I started my career in Bosnia. I was A family from South at Tusla airbase on the day that Sudan begins the 7,000 women and children arrived construction of their from Srebenica where they had shelter in Kakuma been forcibly separated from the men,” she told our donors in Sydney. settlement, Kenya. “There were women there who’d lost several sons, their husbands, fathers, brothers — all in one go. Australia for UNHCR I hadn’t really understood what it meant to be a refugee until then. Mariam, a refugee from Within one morning, their village the Democratic Republic had been burned to the ground and their families were shattered. of Congo, with her one- And it happened without warning.” day-old baby in a hospital in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee She spoke of the pain and resilience settlement. of the refugees she has met over the course of her 20-year career Australia for UNHCR and thanked Australian donors for their invaluable support. “Our single largest pool of Vegetables grown in the small plot behind general emergency funding this woman’s mud comes from individual brick shelter augment donors. Without your help, the dry rations she silent emergencies would receives each month. be even more forgotten.”

Australia for UNHCR

2017 Issue 1 | With You 15 Why I support refugees

The plight of refugees is an issue that really pulls at our heartstrings. When you see what these families go through, how can you not want to help?

Rachel Musgrove UNHCR/S.Rich Rachel and Andrew Musgrove ran with Team UNHCR in the Sydney City2Surf last year, pushing their young baby in a pram. They see Save their shared commitment to refugees and humanitarian issues as an important part of their relationship and hope to inspire the same the date values in their daughter. 2017 What motivated you to support Andrew: In years to come, we will share Australia for UNHCR? the story of our first family City2Surf with World Refugee our daughter and tell her that we did Rachel: For our honeymoon, we travelled it together as a family because it was Day Breakfast to Cambodia and saw, for the first time, important to us – and she beat us simply the impact that violence and conflict has by being pushed in the pram! on people’s lives. Later, we met Australia Join Australia for UNHCR for UNHCR fundraisers in a shopping in Sydney for our annual centre. We didn’t commit to donating What would you say to someone World Refugee Day Breakfast, on the spot but decided to go home considering becoming an Australia celebrating the strength and research UNHCR. for UNHCR supporter? and resilience of refugees. Andrew: We saw that UNHCR is such Rachel: I liked the Oscar Wilde quote that Friday 16 June 2017 an effective organisation. They are someone put on my City2Surf fundraising 7:00am – 9:00am always first out with the tents, but their page: “The smallest act of kindness is Ivy Ballroom, Ivy effectiveness goes beyond just aid worth more than the grandest intention.” Level 1, 320 George Street, delivery. I also wanted to support the I cannot comprehend living without the Sydney 2000 work they do reuniting and protecting basics: shelter, safety for yourself and displaced families. your children, food and water. I look at To book tickets, please what UNHCR achieves under difficult call our events team on circumstances and I feel confident that 1300 361 288 or visit Is your shared interest in my money is reaching those in need. unrefugees.org.au humanitarian issues something you bond over? Share your story! Rachel: Yes, every couple has shared values and this is something that has What motivated you to support brought us closer. Australia for UNHCR? Please call Get your Karen Penning on 02 9276 6856 or Entertainment email [email protected]. Book

The Entertainment Book is a great way to discover many discounted and 2-for-1 offers at some of Australia’s best restaurants, cafes, attractions and events.

For every book or digital membership purchased through Australia for Published by UNHCR, Entertainment Book will Australia for UNHCR, PO Box Q428, donate 20% of the proceeds to Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230 help refugees. Phone 1300 361 288 | Email [email protected] Order your Book today at Twitter @unrefugees | Facebook Australia for UNHCR www.entertainmentbook.com.au/ YouTube Aus4UNHCR | ABN 35 092 843 322 orderbooks/2s00613 www.unrefugees.org.au