It’s been a tragic start to the year, with floods devastating communities in Queensland and New South Wales. We know many families are still rebuilding, including a number of our own loyal supporters – our thoughts are with them.

While we’ve faced great hardship here at home, we've never seen a humanitarian crisis escalate as quickly as in Ukraine. It is Europe’s fastest-growing refugee emergency since World War II. More than 3.6 million people have now fled Ukraine – all deeply shaken by the arduous journey. Many more are still trying to find safe passage. The UN estimates that 16 million people may need assistance in coming months. With the support of our donors, UNCHR has been sending supplies to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, including sleeping mats, water jerry-cans, thermal blankets, baby kits and hygiene items. But as families continue to flee, more support is urgently needed.  

In Syria, it’s been eleven years since the crisis began. UNHCR is appealing to the world to not forget or neglect the growing needs of displaced Syrians inside and outside the country. For Syrians like Fatima who have been forced to flee, every day is an emergency.

Earlier this month, we held a special online event for International Women’s Day to raise money for Syrian refugee women and their families in Jordan. Almost 200 guests tuned in to learn from a remarkable panel – Gillian Triggs, UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection; Naomi Steer, Australia for UNHCR National Director; Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of Media Diversity Australia and a former Afghan refugee; and Yalda Hakim, BBC journalist reporting from Ukraine. If you didn’t get a chance to watch our incredible panel of speakers, you can watch the recording here. 

We end this month's newsletter with a story on second-generation Afghan refugee Jamil, who was born in Pakistan. As a person with a disability as well as a refugee, he has overcome a series of obstacles in trying to get an education. He is now dedicating his life to helping young people with disabilities and working towards removing barriers that prevent refugees with disabilities from receiving an education in Pakistan.

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, many Australians will be gathering with loved ones. However, it is also an opportunity to think of the millions of refugees who are spending Ramadan separated from their homes, surrounded by conflict and hardship. For these families, celebrating during the holy month can be a tragic reminder of everything they have lost. See how you can provide hope to refugees separated from their homes and families this Ramadan.