Alfonso Herrera

About Alfonso

Alfonso Herrera, one of the most recognized actors in Latin America, was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in September 2020.

Best known for his roles in theater, film and television as Pillowman, La Dictadura Perfecta, Sense8 and Rebelde, Herrera has been supporting UNHCR, the United Nations Agency for Refugees since 2016 with the launch of the #ConLosRefugiados campaign

Earlier in 2020, Alfonso concluded a trip with UNHCR to El Salvador and Honduras, where he had the opportunity to meet children, teenagers, women and members of the LGBTI community who have been affected by gang crime and violence. He also met with internally displaced persons, learning about their often tragic stories and observing how UNHCR, along with its partners, works to provide support and protection.

Alfonso said:

“We are witnessing an unprecedent refugee crisis around the world, and Latin America is not an exception. UNHCR’s role, together with civil society, is instrumental in protecting the dignity, integrity and security of refugees. It's painful to listen to the stories of forced displacement, you can only imagine what they must have been through in order to survive. Above all I want them to know that I admire their courage and strength.”

In 2019 Alfonso appeared in a powerful multi-voice video in support of UNHCR's #EveryoneCounts campaign for the Global Refugee Forum.

Going forward, Herrera will work with UNHCR on awareness projects and to encourage others to join the refugee cause. José Samaniego, Director of the UNHCR Regional Bureau for the Americas, said:

“The firm commitment that Alfonso has shown to refugees and other displaced persons, using every available opportunity to raise public awareness about forced displacement in Latin America and throughout the world, is a valuable contribution to UNHCR’s work to ensure the protection and integration of those persons.”