The Human Story
Behind the Statistics
Behind all the statements and statistics about refugees, asylum seekers, the internally displaced and the stateless are real people with harrowing tales of suffering and loss, as well as hope and ambition. UNHCR believes we must provide a platform for their voices and - when it does not risk their safety - to give a face to the millions of people of concern. Our staff around the world gather these human stories every day so that people living in peace and comfort can understand why the forcibly displaced and stateless need compassion and care. The best way to understand the suffering of others is to hear their stories of hardship, courage, struggle and perseverance.
Olivet Nyankuru, a scholarship student at Lurio University, ranks number one in his class and is awarded a medical degree by the president of Mozambique.
Aqeela started teaching Afghan refugee girls in a tent. Some two decades later, she has taught thousands, overcoming parental opposition and with UNHCR support.
Ousmane cannot tell what nationality he has. Born in Côte d'Ivoire to a Burkinabé mother, his birth was never registered and this left him vulnerable and exploitable.
In humanitarian crises, children often get separated from their family. UNHCR and its partners are always looking out for such children, who urgently need help.
Motivated by a sense of solidarity, Bouba Mairama was a mother figure to many of the thousands of refugees who fled Central African Republic earlier this year.