This June, get to know a refugee. Ordinary people – living extraordinary lives

Starting today, June 2, we want to introduce you to some ordinary people. People that are daughters, musicians, athletes and students. The only difference is that they are faced with some extraordinary circumstances – war and conflict. Their once normal life have since been turned upside down, forcing them to flee their home countries and become refugees.

This year’s #WorldRefugeeDay campaign aims to bring each and every one of us closer to the human side of life as a refugee. As refugees struggle to get by, there are stories of strength and resilience all around, and we want to share these stories with you.

Learn about refugees such as Yadira-- She’s a roller skater, daughter and team player. And she just happens to be a refugee. Yadira and her family fled Colombia when an armed group threatened to forcibly recruit her brothers and forced her mother to sew uniforms. Without telling family or friends, they left everything behind and crossed the border to Venezuela.

After one month in exile, Yadira fell in love with inline speed skating. She has already competed in different team skating competitions, and loves relay race training because it helps her to feel the adrenaline and team spirit.

Today we are also releasing several videos featuring celebrity supporters that tell the human side of the refugee plight. The films feature UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and best-selling author, Khaled Hosseini and photographer and supermodel Helena Christensen.

The films were recorded during recent field visits with each supporter introducing an individual refugee and their story. Additionally, author Neil Gaiman, actor David Morrissey and actress Emma Thompson share personal stories of refugees they have met or are in their own families.

View these films and read refugee stories at www.refugeeday.org.

We encourage you to get to know a refugee. And we hope you share these stories with your friends and family too!

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