USA for UNHCR

10/15/2026

"Simple hygiene practices can help stop the spread of Ebola and protect our community," says Atsi.

But when people are forced to flee their homes, access to basic hygiene can become a challenge. In overcrowded displacement sites, limited access to clean water and sanitation can make it easier for infectious diseases like Ebola to spread.

Atsi is one of 20,000 people displaced by violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have found safety at the Kigonze displacement site. There, she has seen firsthand how disease can affect her community.

So when UNHCR installed handwashing stations, Atsi felt a sense of relief. Now, she hopes to help her community understand the importance of handwashing and protect more people from getting sick.

"The installation of this handwashing station near our shelter block is a welcome step. We are encouraging everyone to use it regularly."

10/14/2026

Every day is Girls Day at Soccer Without Borders - Baltimore!

This Baltimore-based nonprofit is helping refugee girls from all over the world build skills, friendships and confidence on and off the field.

“My team is so diverse, I have a lot of girls from East and North Africa, Asia and the Middle East,” says coach Hajar Abulfazl. “I'm so proud because now I see each player growing, as a leader, as a strong voice on the team. And not only through soccer, but in the community and at school.”

On a soccer field in northeast Baltimore, coach Hajar Abulfazl is surrounded by her players after practice at Soccer Without Borders, a non-profit organization with chapters across the United States and around the world, which helps underserved youth, particularly refugees and newcomers to the U.S.,...

10/13/2026

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake has hit Panama.

The earthquake, which struck on October 9, damaged homes, schools, health facilities and critical infrastructure. More than 60 aftershocks have been recorded, and some communities remain cut off by damaged roads and landslides.

UNHCR is responding in coordination with the Government of Panama. Together, we have mobilized more than 37,000 pounds of emergency relief supplies to support communities affected by the earthquake — including tents, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, blankets and other essential items.

As communities begin to recover, UNHCR is working to help address urgent humanitarian needs and ensure essential support reaches those in need.

10/12/2026

For International Day of the Girl, we asked women who had experienced displacement and gone on to become leaders: What would you tell the next generation of girls?

Their answers touched on the power of education and the importance of holding onto your identity, advocating for yourself and pursuing your dreams even when the path gets difficult.

Their stories are different, but their message is clear: refugee girls deserve the opportunity to dream big and shape their own futures.

Read what they had to say: https://bit.ly/3TJ3sEd

This International Day of the Girl, we asked women with lived experience of forced displacement and refugee leadership what they would share with refugee girls living through displacement crises today.

10/11/2026

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

This International Day of the Girl Child, three refugee women share the advice they’d give their younger selves and the next generation of refugee girls.

10/10/2026

This Mental Health Day, we’re looking at the connection between mental health and displacement.

From addressing trauma and stress to accessing care and regaining stability, mental health support is an essential part of refugees’ overall health and wellbeing.

In our latest article, we’re sharing five things to know about refugees and mental health — from the challenges many refugees face to how UNHCR works with communities and health systems to expand access to care.

Here’s what you need to know about mental health and refugees.

10/09/2026

“I aspire to do hard things," says Galina.

For Galina, a WhatsApp message opened the door to university.

After learning about UNHCR’s DAFI scholarship program, Galina applied, earned a place at the University of Rwanda and went on to study civil engineering.

Now, she dreams of designing cities and transportation systems that connect people to opportunity.

Read Galina’s story and see how education can help young refugee women build futures defined by possibility rather than displacement: https://bit.ly/3TLelW6

10/08/2026

For Charles, a radio was his first window to the world.

Growing up as a refugee in Kenya, listening to BBC Swahili inspired his interest in media and communications. Today, Charles lives with a visual impairment and uses assistive technology to pursue graphic design and develop his own media projects.

Charles is pursuing higher education thanks to the support of a A DAFI scholarship. He is working toward his dream of establishing a media production company focused on authentic African stories and creating more inclusive spaces for refugees and people with disabilities.

“You are not just funding an education; you are investing in a future," he explains. "This scholarship is dignity, it is hope, and it unlocks the potential already inside every student.”

10/07/2026

"When the world feels like it's falling apart, it's time to double down on being a force for good."

Journalist Ann Curry shares with Woman’s World magazine the importance of purpose and compassion – and how, most recently, these pursuits led her to meet with refugees on the Sudan-South Sudan border.

Read as Ann shares why she holds on to hope:

At 70, the legendary journalist shares her wisdom on purpose, compassion and living with intention.

10/06/2026

Millions of refugee children are being left behind.

And it's not just about schooling. When refugee learners can progress from one stage of education to the next, they have greater opportunities to develop skills, build livelihoods and become more self-reliant.

Here are our top five takeaways from UNHCR's new Education Report:

With the latest UN Refugee Agency Education Report, we’re sharing our top five takeaways on what you need to know about the state of education for refugees and what we can do about it.