Can becoming an entrepreneur help a refugee live a better life? I recently had the opportunity to join the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for a visit to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, where I met seven incredible women entrepreneurs who have formed the Twitezimbere tailoring group. And through them, I learned the answer is yes. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, these women have been able to create and grow a business serving their neighbors in the eighth largest … [Read more...]
UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal
June 25, 2013 by
SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTS TEXT URGING TARGETED SANCTIONS AGAINST PERPETRATORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING ARMED CONFLICT Rape Largely ‘Cost-free’, Says Special Representative As UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal The Security Council today urged the United Nations sanctions committees to apply targeted sanctions against parties committing sexual violence during armed conflict. Ahead of a debate on the subject that attracted more than 60 speakers, the … [Read more...]
Angelina Jolie – WOMAN of ACTION™
June 10, 2013 by
A Celebration of Women™ is elated to Celebrate the Life of this very special woman, one that has risen above extraordinary circumstance in childhood, courageously worked through depression, mothers six children, maintains a marriage; all while reaching the stars in one of our world's most challenging industry - that of film. Through all of her challenges and successes, this powerhouse has always devoted time from her life to the 'betterment of the lives of others' and is is dedicated … [Read more...]
MALI, Mother Dreams of Returning Home to Re-Build
June 2, 2013 by
In Mbera camp, Zeinabou dreams of returning home to rebuild Zeinabou, a mother of eight, fled with her family from conflict in her native Mali in January. There were rumours that a plane would come and bomb her town. She did not wait to see whether they were true; the family rented a car and fled to south eastern Mauritania. But life in the Mbera refugee camp is hard, she is pregnant and would like to return home, so her child can be born there. In Léré, where she came from, Zeinabou ran a … [Read more...]
Turkish programme to register Syrian refugees
April 12, 2013 by
12 April 2013 – The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed a new Turkish law on foreigners as an important advancement for international protection and pledged continued backing to the authorities as they implement it. The law incorporates key elements of international humanitarian and human rights law, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Spokesperson Melissa Fleming told a news briefing in Geneva, stressing that High Commissioner António Guterres welcomes it as a reflection of … [Read more...]
WORLD REFUGEE DAY – June 20th
June 20, 2012 by
"We must work together to mobilize the political will and leadership to prevent and end the conflicts that trigger refugee flows. [...] Despite budget constraints everywhere, we must not turn away from those in need. Refugees leave because they have no choice. We must choose to help." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Theme for 2012: Refugees have no choice. You do. THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S REFUGEES 2012 - "In Search of Solidarity" For years, many countries and regions have been … [Read more...]
Amnesty International Annual Report 2011 – United Kingdom
May 22, 2011 by
Amnesty International Annual Report 2011 - United Kingdom Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II Head of government: David Cameron (replaced Gordon Brown in May) Death penalty: abolitionist for all crimes Population: 61.9 million Life expectancy: 79.8 years Under-5 mortality (m/f): 6/6 per 1,000 An inquiry into allegations of UK involvement in torture and other human rights violations of people held overseas was announced. Key counter-terrorism powers were under review. The … [Read more...]
UNHCR: Civilians being prevented from fleeing Libya
March 7, 2011 by
UNHCR worried that civilians being prevented from fleeing Libya, significant progress in evacuation of Egyptians from Tunisia The number of civilians fleeing the violence in Libya to Tunisia has dropped significantly since Wednesday afternoon. Compared to earlier in the week when between 10,000 and 15,000 people were crossing into Tunisia daily, less than 2,000 made it across yesterday. UNHCR is very concerned that the security situation in Libya may be preventing people from … [Read more...]
