Published August 27, 2008 @ 07:15AM PT

Dear Refugee Supporter, The UN Refugee Agency continues the rapid distribution of aid to innocent civilians displaced by the violent conflict between Georgia and Russia.  The situation on the ground remains volatile - an estimated 160,000 people have been forced from their homes and are in urgent need of protection, shelter, and other basic necessities. Last Tuesday, August 19, an UNHCR humanitarian flight carrying tents, blankets, and kitchen sets arrived in western Georgia where roads cannot reach some 15,000 people.  On Friday August 22, UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres concluded his trip to Georgia and the Russian Federation where he pressed for protection of the civilian population a... Read More

Published June 27, 2008 @ 10:50AM PT

Exciting news from UNHCR and Microsoft.  Save the date: July 11th 2008   The UN Refugee Agency has partnered with Microsoft for the i’m Initiative, a program that allows users of Microsoft’s Windows Live™ Messenger or Windows Live Hotmail® to support their favorite cause every time they send a message!. The I’m Initiative is free and easy to use and it’s a great way to support a charity you believe in!  Every time you use Windows Live™ Messenger or Windows Live Hotmail®, Microsoft will donate a portion of the program's advertising revenue to the organization of your choice.    Proudly, ninemillion.org, the UN Refugee Agency’s campaign to promote education and sport activities for the world’s... Read More

Published June 09, 2008 @ 12:33PM PT

June 09, 2008 Update on UNHCR’s ongoing response to the Myanmar Cyclone The UN Refugee Agency continues its efforts to provide urgent shelter for victims of the cyclone disaster in Myanmar.  As part of joint efforts to respond to the emergency, UNHCR has so far airlifted and trucked in more than 430 tons of relief items to the affected areas. They include plastic sheets, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen sets. Another two flights are expected to bring some 74 tons of plastic rolls next week. UNHCR's partners, with the help of UNHCR staff, are distributing these emergency shelter and household items in the delta and affected areas around the main city of Yangon. The UN Refugee Agency has had a long-standing presence in Myanmar. So far, an estimated 150,000... Read More

Published May 15, 2008 @ 01:32PM PT

Humanitarian Relief Efforts for Victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar   Mezza Luna Restaurant /Toscana Catering in partnership with USA for UNHCR is holding a fundraising event for Myanmar. Please join us at the restaurant on Tuesday, May 20th @ 4:00 PM. Details: For the duration of the evening, donors will receive extended happy-hour drink specials and complimentary appetizers. All proceeds from the door, the auction, and a percentage of food sales will be donated to USA for UNHCR to benefit the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar. A minimum of ten dollars ($10) donation is requested at the door. Mezza Luna Restaurant is located at 1140 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. Read More

Published May 13, 2008 @ 07:35AM PT

Dear Refugee Supporter, The first UN Refugee Agency land convoy arrived in cyclone-hit Myanmar on Saturday to bring urgently-needed tents and plastic sheets to some 10,000 people made homeless by the disaster. “This convoy marks a positive step in an aid effort so far marked by challenges and constraints,” said UNHCR Representative Raymond Hall, in Thailand. More than one million people are estimated to have lost their homes.  You can help.  DONATE NOW Over the weekend, UNHCR also began airlifting shelter supplies to the main city of Yangon carrying 4,500 plastic sheets, 17,000 blankets, and over 1000 kitchen sets. Two more emergency airlifts are scheduled this week. UNHCR’s goal is to provide shelter to 250,000 men, women, and children... Read More

Published May 13, 2008 @ 07:20AM PT

Dear Refugee Supporter, The UN Refugee Agency is responding to the cyclone which struck Myanmar on Saturday, leaving death and devastation in its wake. Tens of thousands have lost their lives– many more are missing.  We urgently need your help to provide shelter. The UN Refugee Agency is in the region, ready to provide emergency shelter assistance to 50,000 families who have been affected by the cyclone and the flooding that followed. With your support we can provide tents and plastic tarpaulins, bamboo, rope, wire, blankets, stoves, mosquito nets and emergency health kits, to displaced and destitute people. Please donate now to make a difference. Thank you. J. Michael Coburn Acting Executive Director USA for UNHCR Read More

Published December 18, 2007 @ 07:27AM PT

  Join me and send a message of hope to refugees around the world. The plight of refugees is close to my heart. The reality of having to leave one's homeland because of war is something I wrote about in my novel The Kite Runner and something that many of my friends and family members have experienced as well. Fill the Sky with messages of hope. Afghan refugees need our help. Today’s release of the film version of The Kite Runner gives me a new opportunity to raise awareness about their plight.   Please join me in "filling the sky" with messages of hope to the millions of Afghan refugees. Click here to launch your very o... Read More

Published October 22, 2007 @ 08:01AM PT

Darfur displaced need clean water  Dear Refugee Supporter, Just two weeks ago, we set a goal to raise $20,000 by October 25 to help the UN Refugee Agency continue providing essential life-saving services to the victims of Darfur.  With your generous support, we are half way to our target!  With only need $9,400 to meet our original goal. One of the most important components of the UN Refugee Agency’s humanitarian aid program is the provision of clean water. Darfur is in one of the most arid parts of the world.  Without access to clean water, displaced families are left highly susceptible to dehydration and water-borne illnesses, like diarrhea and cholera.  The risks are especially high for children. The UN Refugee Agency seeks to provide... Read More

Published October 16, 2007 @ 09:44AM PT

  Dear Refugee Supporter, The UN Refugee Agency has issued an urgent funding appeal for its operation in Darfur, Sudan, saying that unless funding is received soon, it will be forced to scale back its life-saving humanitarian relief effort in the region.  This year alone, UNHCR’s budget for the Darfur region totals more than $19 million.  To date, the agency has received merely one third of the funds necessary for its work with those fleeing the crisis in Darfur. The need for life-saving aid is immense.  But, with your help, UNHCR can provide women and children with protection, and basic relief such as blankets, tents,  clean water, schools, and health centers.  To help UNHCR respond to this urgent appeal, we are setting a campaign goal to... Read More

Published September 28, 2007 @ 07:16AM PT

KABUL, Afghanistan, September 13 (UNHCR) – Best-selling author Khaled Hosseini has warned that the international community needs to remain committed to Afghanistan and give the country time. Failure to do so would see his native land sliding backwards with disastrous consequences.   The US Envoy for UNHCR, who flew out of Kabul on Thursday after talking to refugee returnees during a 10-day tour of northern Afghanistan, called on the international community to deepen its commitment in the country as it strives to rebuild after more than two decades of strife and chaos.   "Afghanistan is at a crossroads. There are some signs of disillusionment both in Afghanistan and within the international community. But a long term engagement is absolutely critical if the country is to ... Read More