Neil Gaiman – alumni
Neil Gaiman – alumni
Neil Gaiman video shoot on the Isle of Skye, Scotland for the video poem "What You Need to Be Warm".
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About Neil
Internationally acclaimed British author Neil Gaiman began working with UNHCR in 2013 and served as a global Goodwill Ambassador from 2017 to 2019.
Neil played a central role in supporting UNHCR’s fundraising, advocacy, and awareness-raising efforts, using his writing talents to highlight the refugee issue, generate empathy, and mobilize support.
Past support
What You Need to Be Warm
Neil’s book What You Need to be Warm was released in October 2023 to critical acclaim and made it into the New York Times top ten for Best Illustrated Children's Books.
The poem – accompanied by artwork from 13 incredible illustrators - was originally inspired by over 25,000 crowdsourced words shared by his Twitter followers, inspired by Neil asking them to share their memories of warmth.
It explores the reality of displacement amidst conflict and advocates for the right to safety and belonging, no matter the circumstances. Proceeds from each copy of the book help support UNHCR’s efforts.
Written in 2019, Neil re-released the poem again in 2020, inviting fans to share illustrations for inclusion in an animated film. The film version of Neil’s poem won the Webby People’s Voice award in the category of Social, Public Service and Activism, which Neil accepted on behalf of UNHCR. The 2023 publication of What You Need to Be Warm reinvented the work yet again. Already published in the UK, Australia and the US (via Bloomsbury and Harper Collins, respectively), the book will be rolled out in non-English language markets in 2024.
Submission for the Neil Gaiman #DrawForRefugees initiative
UNHCR High Profile Supporters Neil Gaiman and Georgina Chapman meet Syrian refugee Abu Hassan and his family in their pre-fab ‘caravan’, Zaatari refugee camp.
As part of #KnitForRefugees, Neil’s poem 'What You Need To Be Warm’ was made into a giant solidarity scarf
Advocacy and campaign support
In addition to the creation of his powerful poem, Neil took part in several UNHCR campaigns and awareness initiatives. In 2019, Neil helped launch the first-ever Refugee Week in Greece through a digital interview in which he discussed the power of storytelling in amplifying refugee voices. In 2018, Neil signed an open letter calling for MPs in the UK to attend the Refugees Family Reunion Bill and advocate for its implementation to allow child refugees a route to reunite with their parents.
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In 2016, Neil joined fellow UNHCR supporters in performing Jenifer Toksvig’s rhythmic poem What They Took With Them, inspired by the firsthand testimonies from refugees for an online video campaign. Neil has appeared in several other UNHCR advocacy films, including ‘Words Matter’, ‘We Stand With #WithRefugees’, and Everyone Counts.
Field visit to Jordan
In 2014, Neil travelled to Jordan with UNHCR to build support, empathy and understanding of the Syrian refugee crisis. He visited Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps where he heard the harrowing stories of those forced to flee their homes.
Neil shared his experience of the trip by writing an article for The Guardian and several other media outlets.
Neil's work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
