Welcome to our first e-newsletter for 2022. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful support for vulnerable refugees – you’re needed now more than ever.
With International Women's Day fast approaching we’d like to invite you to our virtual event on Tuesday 8 March, focusing on the stories of 'Women on the Frontlines'. You’ll hear from Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection; Mariam Veiszadeh, a lawyer and prominent human rights champion; and Janine Allis, the ambassador for Australia for UNHCR’s Leading Women Fund. Hear first-hand from women working at the forefront of humanitarian conflicts and learn about the plight of displaced women and girls in Afghanistan and around the world right now.
Food security has long been a problem in Afghanistan, but now a devastating combination of conflict, drought and economic collapse has pushed the population to the brink of famine. Nearly 23 million people, or 55 per cent of the population, are facing extreme levels of hunger and nearly 9 million are at risk of famine. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch described the desperation of displaced people inside Afghanistan. “It's a crisis of hunger and starvation. People don't have enough to eat, and it's very visible,” he said. We are so grateful for the generosity of our community. With your support, UNHCR can continue its life-saving work and provide cash assistance to help vulnerable families meet their basic food needs. If you would like to support Afghan refugees, our partner Canva is matching donations so you will be able to double your impact.
We continue with our theme around women and hear from refugee women who are taking the lead in combating gender-based violence. Refugee women are often best placed to lead interventions on gender-based violence and other issues affecting their communities - all they need is support and resources. A UNHCR and University of New South Wales (UNSW) project, Refugee Women and Girls: Key to the Global Compact on Refugees, is supporting refugee women-led interventions to respond to gender-based violence in Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh.
We wrap this month up with an update on the Batting for Afghanistan campaign. More than 4,000 individuals and corporates bought virtual cricket bats, raising $110,000 for the people of Afghanistan. The appeal, led by cricketing legend Ian Chappell, encouraged cricket-loving Australians to support UNHCR’s relief efforts in Afghanistan by buying a virtual bat or bidding on an array of auction items. Read about how our outstanding supporters fundraised for us.
Our International Women’s Day event is fast approaching! Meet our panel of amazing female speakers who will share their experiences working at the forefront of humanitarian crises and conflicts.
Conflict, climate-related disasters and COVID-19 have created unprecedented levels of food insecurity, leaving a staggering number of Afghan families one step away from famine.
Refugee women are often best placed to lead interventions on gender-based violence and other issues affecting their communities – all they need is support and resources.
More than 4,000 people bought virtual cricket bats in support of our Batting for Afghanistan campaign, raising over $100,000 for the people of Afghanistan.
You are invited to our special webinar for International Women’s Day, which will take place online on Tuesday March 8 at 6pm. The event, 'Women on the Frontlines' is your opportunity to hear from a dynamic panel about how UNHCR is helping to empower refugee women and girls and how you can be part of this positive change.
