As June 20 marks World Refugee Day, renowned names from the region and beyond have taken to social media to share special messages.
HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Photo: Instagram.com/mozabintnasser
From reading impactful literature to writing heartfelt messages making a case for refugees around the world, here’s how public figures marked World Refugee Day.
HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser
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HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation emphasized the need for education for displaced children and wrote:
“One of the first casualties of conflict is education. As families seek refuge from war, too often they find themselves without even the basic infrastructure for children to learn. And so, we work to ensure displaced children can still study. Their education will be fundamental in equipping them to break the cycle of violence and rebuild their communities.”
Karen Wazen
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Lebanese entrepreneur Karen Wazen reflected on her six-year-long journey of advocating for a better life for refugees. “On this #WorldRefugeeDay, let’s remember that more than 120 million people have been forced from their homes, they didn’t choose displacement; it was their only path to safety,” she wrote. “Let’s stand together for a future where every refugee finds not only safety but dignity and hope.”
Dua Lipa
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Popstar Dua Lipa, daughter of Kosovan-Albanian refugee parents, shared a post from her lifestyle newsletter company Service95 highlighting five books by refugee authors.
Cynthia Erivo
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Wicked star Cynthia Erivo partnered with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees aka UNCHR to read a passage from Walking Our Boundaries by Audre Lorde. “Her words remind us that even after the darkest times, there is light and the promise of new beginnings,” Erivo wrote.
Pedro Pascal
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The Last of Us actor Pedro Pascal also teamed up with UNCHR to read Dame La Mano by Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral.
Neil Gaiman
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Acclaimed English author Neil Gaiman was also among the names to partner with UNHCR to read a passage from his own book What You Need to Be Warm. “When I think of Words of Welcome, I think of the warmth and comfort that come from knowing you have a place where you belong, are safe, and are valued. It’s about creating spaces — both physical and emotional — where refugees are greeted with kindness, understanding, and support,’ he wrote.
John Green
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Lastly, The Fault in Our Stars writer John Green read a passage from Sky Piece V by Yoko Ono with UNCHR. “The piece speaks to the idea of connection and empathy,” he wrote. “Picture yourself being uprooted, far from your home. At that point, a small gesture like putting your coat around someone could carry a huge weight. It’s all about discovering comfort and support in the face of uncertainty.”
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