CCCM Sub-National Coordinator
Ioanna Tzagnoun Kotaki, Sub-National Coordinator, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster, Dnipro, Ukraine.
“I will never forget a definite expression of a son’s unwavering love for his mother. A Syrian asylum-seeker had carried his 98-year-old bedridden mother in his arms throughout the journey from Syria to Samos island.”
How would you describe your work?
I am part of the UNHCR-led UNHCR Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster. The Cluster is responsible for ensuring a coordinated multi-sectoral response for the protection of internally displaced people residing in collective sites in Eastern Ukraine. My duties as Sub-National Coordinator include communicating closely with partners and all relevant stakeholders to address as effectively as possible the needs of this population.
What made you decide to become a humanitarian worker?
My dual nationality has affected my identity from early on and helped me embrace different cultures and appreciate diversity and inclusion. During the refugee emergency in Greece in 2016, I was given the opportunity to be part of the response and support both my countries, Syria and Greece. My first deployment with UNHCR back then was life changing and reaffirmed my initial desire to actively contribute to efforts to alleviate human suffering and serve those most in need.
Which is the greatest challenge you have faced working far from Greece?
Being a humanitarian worker working away from home, you face diverse challenges that require resilience and adaptability. Navigating yourself through professional commitments and personal life becomes particularly taxing while being away from your support systems and loved ones. It takes personal effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Despite these challenges, the reward of making a positive impact in human lives and witnessing the transformative power of humanitarian assistance motivates me and feeds into my initial purpose.
View of a nine-story residential building in Dnipro, Ukraine, which was devastated after a missile strike in January 2023. 18 people were killed in the attack and dozens were injured. © UNHCR/Andrew McConnell
Please describe an experience you had working in the field, that you will never forget.
It is very difficult to select a single story from the many unique encounters I’ve had through my work. However, there is one I will never forget – a definite expression of a son’s unwavering love for his mother. A Syrian asylum-seeker had carried his 98-year-old bedridden mother in his arms throughout the journey from Syria to Samos island. With no support network back in their home country, he was determined to bring her along in search of safety. Witnessing his dedication and care, despite the challenges and the long journey, was truly inspiring. I felt privileged to be able to support them during that phase of their journey.
What does solidarity mean to you and how could we foster it further?
For me, solidarity is a powerful expression of shared humanity. Fostering solidarity is an ongoing process that requires a collective effort and we should all encourage an inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and respected. I hope for a continued international solidarity for the war-affected Ukrainian people and forcibly displaced people globally.
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