On 20 June, the global community is observing World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution. This year World Refugee Day focuses on the inclusion of forcibly displaced people, because only…
7 July 2021 Also available in:
On 20 June, the global community is observing World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution.
This year World Refugee Day focuses on the inclusion of forcibly displaced people, because only together we can achieve great results.
Conflict and persecution have forced more than 80 million people around the world to flee their homes. Refugees step up for their communities. It’s time we step up for them. Together we heal, learn and shine.
On June 18, the official opening of the photo exhibition took place on Independence Square in Kyiv. The photos tell how new citizens integrate into the community and become equal members of society. Together we heal and learn. Afghanistan – Ukraine
Ruhullah is a heart surgeon from Afghanistan. He founded a medical clinic in Odesa, where both Ukrainians and refugees can get medical care. Ruhullah now passes on his experience and knowledge to the young generation by teaching at Odesa National Medical University and at the medical training centre he established. As an Afghani community leader in Odesa and founder of the non-profit organisation Success, he actively promotes charity and cultural activities in the city.
Together we shine. Yenakieve, Donetsk oblast – Odesa
Maria has always loved football. As a child, she would always play with the boys. After moving to Odesa, she became a striker for the FC Chornomorets – Odesa women team – and started playing in first division. Maria also competed in the Under-14 Ukrainian Championship. During the championship, she scored her first goal and took her team to the final. She received the title of Best Striker of the competition.
Together we motivate. Afghanistan – Ukraine
Ali has been living in Ukraine for more than a decade. He learnt Ukrainian and now studies aviation and rocket science at the National Aviation University. Together with other young activists, Ali launched the Youth Integration Club, an initiative helping young refugees and asylum seekers to better fit in Ukrainian society.
Together we learn. Somalia – Ukraine
Yahye has been living in Ukraine for several years. Here he learnt a new profession and became a certified cook. Yahye is also an activist: he volunteers at a non-profit organisation, Youth for Peace, where he helps homeless, elderly and children.
Together we share love. Luhansk – Odesa
After moving to Odesa, Iryna created a family-type orphanage. She left behind her home and her business in Luhansk. Teacher by profession, Iryna now devotes her energy and love to raising seven boys: the youngest is 12 years old and the oldest 18.
Together we heal. The Democratic Republic of Congo – Ukraine
Maksime has been living in Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991. He has a double vocation. For about ten years, he has been serving as a Protestant priest at the New Apostolic Church in Poltava. He is also working at the Grandma’s Yard Zoo in Poltava, as a veterinarian and guide.
Together we shine and motivate. Sevastopol – Odesa
Fevzi is a professional sportsman and a European champion of Greco-Roman wrestling. In 2020, he founded a public organization and cultural centre for Crimean Tatars in the Odesa region. The Centre provides Crimean Tatar language classes, cultural workshops, sport classes and hosts charity events.
Together we create. Democratic Republic of Congo – Ukraine
Noda has been living in Ukraine since 2011. He works as a carpenter. He met his wife here, Debora, with whom he has a daughter. As an artist and creator, Noda turned his dream into reality: he is leading an African folk music band that often performs in Kyiv.
Together we shine. Afghanistan – Ukraine
Ali has been living in Ukraine since 2013. Since then, he has been developing his boxing skills. He took part in more than 50 competitions in amateur boxing rings. In April 2021, he debuted in a professional ring and won his first fight with a technical knockout.
