June 20, 2014

The most urgent story of our time

editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

Today is World Refugee Day and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is asking people to share stories to commemorate the day.

Whether it's adding your story to the inspiring collection on the UNHCR website, or taking a moment to read someone else's story and share it with others on social media, everyone is invited to take part.

UNHCR has collected a vast array of refugee tales which people are welcome to add to throughout the day. The stories create a picture of refugees throughout time - not just Syrians currently living in Zaatari camp but also grandchildren retelling their grandparents' stories of flights from Eastern Europe to Britain, and many more.

As well as this storyboard, famous personalities such as British actress Emma Thompson have gotten onboard to share their own experiences. In the video Thompson and her adopted son Tindy tell the story of 16 yealr old Tindy arriving in the UK after being a child soldier in Rwanda, and how their lives have been enriched by becoming a family.

We encourage you to take time today to learn a refugee story and share it among your peers. Getting to know the people behind the news bulletins and statistics is what strengthens the cause for better conditions for refugees everywhere.