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.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Mayumi Maruyama
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.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Goal Click
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.
We are grateful to the German government 🇩🇪 for funding the DAFI scholarship program, which empowers young refugees to unlock their potential, with many of them becoming activists and volunteers. Their vision of the world is expanding, and they are beginning to inspire their Ukrainian friends.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Anton Fedorov
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.
We are very grateful for the generous support of donors, in particular, Sweden 🇸🇪 for being an advocate and supporter of refugee education and self reliance.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Anton Fedorov
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.
With the support of the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, UNHCR and its partner organizations help forcibly displaced and conflict affected people in the east of Ukraine in defending their rights.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Maria Myrna
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.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Iryna Hromotska
Together we create.
Democratic Republic of Congo – Ukraine
In Ukraine, Debora found several ways to use her versatile talents. She is working as a clothes designer and completed courses in manicure and baking. Here, she met her husband, Noda, with whom she has a daughter. Together they are playing in an African folk music band that often performs in Kyiv.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Iryna Hromotska
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.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Maria Myrna
With the support of the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, UNHCR and its partner organizations help forcibly displaced and conflict affected people in the east of Ukraine in defending their rights.
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.
We are grateful for Canada`s 
Embassy of Canada in Ukraine continued demonstration of generosity and support towards refugees, displaced and stateless persons in Ukraine!
Photo: ©UNHCR/Iryna Hromotska
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.
We are grateful for the long-standing support of the United States 🇺🇸, which allows us to protect and serve vulnerable and displaced women, men and children in Ukraine!
Photo: ©Top Boxing Generation
Together we heal.
Luhansk – Brovary, Kyiv oblast
Oleh leads the Centre for comprehensive rehabilitation for children with disabilities, in Brovary territorial community, Kyiv oblast. He was displaced twice: in Georgia in the early 1990s and in Ukraine in 2014. He has two daughters with special educational needs. As a professional journalist, he actively promotes the rights of children with disabilities. Since 2018, he has been organizing photography exhibitions to help create more inclusive host communities for children with disabilities and internally displaced children.
We are grateful to Estonian 🇪🇪 government Estonian Embassy in Kyiv for stepping up your support to IDPs in Ukraine, giving most of attention to the most vulnerable communities with the focuse on education, psychological and social support and healthcare. Thanks to its unearmarked support we can help people to get back on their feet and build decent life in safety.
Photo: ©Valentyna Uvarova
Together we share love.
Zhovanka, Donetsk oblast – Chasiv Yar, Donetsk oblast
Nadiya and her husband Osman have been raising 14 adopted children along with their biological daughter. Some are now adults; the youngest is 10 years old. Nadiya and Osman also give their love and warmth to their 22 grandchildren.
Photo: ©UNHCR/Anastasia Vlasova
The captions were edited by Sarah Vallee. Find volunteering opportunities at https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en
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