Thank you to all our generous donors who supported refugees in our tax-time appeal this June. The funds you have raised will help UNHCR provide vital aid for displaced people, from families fleeing war in Ukraine, to women and children in the Horn of Africa. 

Have you ever stopped to think about what you would do in a crisis? Would you stay and defend your home? Or would you have the courage to leave it – and all your possessions – behind at a moment’s notice? This month, we introduce you to five internally displaced Ukrainians who faced this agonising choice, including little Anastasiia and her family, who hid in a cellar for two months until they escaped their war-torn city with 20 minutes’ notice. You can read Anastasiia’s story here.

Refugees and displaced people bring their skills and expertise with them when they are forced to flee. When given the opportunity, they can use these skills to benefit not only themselves but their host communities as well. In Kenya, an innovative program to foster the farming and commercial skills of Sudanese refugees is reaping big rewards. Read this inspiring success story.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off this week, reminding us of how football unites people across borders. When Kabul fell to the Taliban almost two years ago, the Afghan Women’s National Football Team escaped to Melbourne, where they are now training and competing. In this moving article and accompanying video, team captain Fatima Yousufi shares the story of her escape from Afghanistan and explains how football gives her a sense of safety.

City2Surf returns to Sydney on Sunday 13 August! We are excited to have many dedicated individuals running in Team UNHCR. Meet Tim Ung, whose family escaped war-torn Cambodia over 40 years ago; now he is running his second City2Surf to raise money for refugees.