Olympic Refuge Foundation’s Post

The comment you provided expresses strong encouragement and support for athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly focusing on those who are refugees, supported by the UNHCR. Here's a breakdown: 1. Positive and Empowering Tone: The message begins with an uplifting note ("You've got the talent and determination to make history"), boosting the confidence of the athletes and emphasizing their potential for success. 2. Support from the UNHCR: Mentioning the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) supporters highlights a broader community cheering for the refugee athletes, reinforcing solidarity and inclusion. 3. Hashtags (#Paris2024, #CheerForRefugees) These tags tie the message to the event (Paris 2024 Olympics) and a cause (supporting refugee athletes), making it visible and relatable to both sports enthusiasts and humanitarian supporters. To be the first comment, here’s a slightly refined version: Team at #Paris2024! Your talent and determination will make history. 🥇 The UNHCR supporters are standing behind you, cheering you on every step of the way. Let's bring it home! #CheerForRefugees #Paris2024"

My own #grit and #resilence is a function of being a granddaughter and daughter of refugees. I realize that we did not use that word about ourselves, given the stigma associated with it, but when you leave the home your family lived in for centuries under threat of violence, you are a refugee. “People who are forced to flee their homes often face challenges in nurturing such dreams. Their paths to success are constantly impeded by obstacles both physical and societal. Women and girls especially find themselves more often underestimated and constrained by norms, and as a result are less able to dream.” Those of refugee experience understand well that those who talk of “#belonging” or “#vulnerability” are naive (even arguably, ignorant) to harsh realities of how humans treat fellow humans. If it were safe to feel belonging and to be vulnerable there would be no refugees at all. Despite seeing the most ugly side of human nature, I find that those in refugee communities can be the most kind, generous, humble, hard-working, appreciative. There is no entitlement but a knowledge of needing to build a new life and establish a new home. If women who are “legitimate” in a culture or country have it hard, then you can only imagine how much harder it is for women who are told “you don’t belong here” based on race, ethnicity, religion, tribe, etc.

On this #WorldRefugeeDay, we honor the resilience and strength of individuals like Ali. Forced to flee his home in Afghanistan due to terrorism, Ali faced immense challenges. Yet, through the #specialolympics Unified with Refugees sports platform, he found opportunities for competition and a path to success. Ali's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sports and community support. Special Olympics Unified with Refugees is possible because of partners like ESPN and Lions Clubs International Foundation. To learn more, follow this link https://lnkd.in/gmVk2bNa

Pablo Zapata, High Commissioner's Representative in Romania, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, shared his experience on equity and social inclusion during our panel discussion at our 2024 ED&I in Eastern Europe Conference. The entire conference is available on our YouTube channel: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e_EqBiMW Image description: On the top right is, "# ED&IConference2024" & the RDCC logo. On the left side is a headshot of Pablo Zapata speaking into a microphone during a panel discussion. The image was taken at the ED&I in Eastern Europe Conference. The text on the right is a quote "We have developed a mapping of the services available for refugees and also to vulnerable Romanians in the country, and we've mapped over a thousand services, including public services like health care, schools, and school inspectors. We are the only operation in Europe, and that's a source of pride." Pablo Zapata, High Commissioner's Representative in Romania, UNHCR. #QuotesFromConfence #EDIEasternEuropeConference2024 #UnitedInDiversity #RDCCEvents #DiversityAndInclusion #EDIBucharest #Equality #Diversity #Inclusion #Romania #RDCC #EasternEurope #EDIConference #Europe #UNHCR

The torch flame indeed carries a powerful symbolism of hope and unity. At a time when millions of people are suffering from the effects of conflict, the #Paris2024 Olympics can serve as a beacon of inspiration for many communities. In the face of difficulties, peace and resilience become more crucial than ever. The torch flame's journey through various regions does not only symbolize the spirit of the games but also highlight the importance of coming together, fostering dialogue, and building a more peaceful world. The #Paris2024 Olympics stand as a testament to the enduring human spirit and our collective commitment to overcoming adversity.

Solidarity is more than just words; it's about action. It's about keeping our doors open, celebrating the achievements of refugees, and acknowledging the challenges they face. In line with this year's #WorldRefugeeDay theme of standing with refugees and fostering a truly welcoming world, we are dedicated to working #WithRefugees to ensure they have access to safe sports programmes and facilities. ✊Read our latest article on how the IURTS (or Integration of Ukrainian Refugee Children Through Sport) consortium is making a difference by listening to and understanding the needs of Ukranian refugee children: https://lnkd.in/erWgFF6M 👀Next step? Stay tuned for the launch of a social media campaign focusing on children's well-being and social integration in and through sports, physical activity and movement. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

✨ Test your knowledge ✨ What’s the difference between - refugee - asylum seeker - ex pat - immigrant Light trigger warning ⬇️ …. Currently, there are 82 million people escaping war, persecution and political turbulence. These are refugees and asylum seekers. There are others who are looking for jobs or an education, they are usually called migrants and people who want to live permanently in another country, immigrants. There’s been confusion and debate over the use of these terms to describe the plight of people on the move. A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home because of war, violence or persecution, often without warning. They are unable to return home unless and until conditions in their native lands are safe for them again. Let me introduce you to some of the Paris IOC Refugee Olympic Team which represents more than the forcibly displaced people worldwide. Made up of 36 athletes from 11 different countries, hosted by 15 National Olympic Committees and competing across 12 sports, the team demonstrates to the world that refugees are an enrichment to the society. We see you Cindy Ngamba!!!! Nike are the official kit sponsors of the team for the Paris Olympics in 2024 This video is so powerful, I literally get goosebumps everytime I watch it! I think this will be the team I support this games!!! #inclusivesport #parisolympics #refugees #IOC #inclusivekit #edisport Source https://lnkd.in/ehrAqAad

This week, I’m in Brasilia representing USA for UNHCR at the 2024 G20 Interfaith Forum- IF20. Faith leaders and actors from across the globe are gathered to discuss the how of faith principles can shape G20 policies for a world that “leaves no one behind.” The Forum is an opportunity not just to hear different faith perspectives, but to explore partnerships and amplify global change. Within my role at USA for UNHCR, I have witnessed the power of faith in bringing people together and making a real difference. Our work responding to refugees is so important, but it can’t be done alone - and forums like IG20 are vital for collaborations. As part of the forum, I moderated a significant panel on Refugee Rights and Protection from a Faith-based perspective. The panel included colleagues from the State University of Para, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Islamic Relief USA, HIAS, and Barnabas Aid. We engaged in a riveting conversation on the power of faith in responding to and advocating for those displaced, how to engage in immediate and long term responses, and the importance of coalitions in maximizing this impact. The outcome was clear: In a world where 1 out of every 69 people is displaced, the need to work together is more important than ever. Thank you to IF20 for ensuring that refugees and displaced people remain in conversation so that we can work to make the world better for us all. #partnerships #withrefugees #G20

Preserverance is a key building block of success. It means when times get hard your not gonna quit. Sometimes in the face of adversity, obstacles, ridicule, and sometimes it feels(feelings are not facts)…so until you turn over every rock, and sometimes professionally and personally it doesn’t mean give up. There are times it means you have to be adaptable, pliable, and open. It’s okay to revamp the plan, it’s okay not marry the idea. It is okay to have to adjust your professional and personal plan to fit circumstances for the moment. Technology changes so fast if you don’t you will not make it. I could tell you somethings and we would laugh and cry at the same time. Failure is not an option no matter what my obstacles and circumstances are. In fact it makes me more focus you have to see yourself at the end even if your not sure how to get there. #JustKeepGoing #PRESERVERANCEandADAPTABILITY #GoHandInHand #EverySuccessfulPerson #GasEncounteredHardObstacle #ThereMightVeExceptions #ThatIsNotMyStory #PersevereAtAllCost #ThatsWhatIsNeededInEverySituation ##HowDoYouPersevere? #WhenFacingChallenges? #LetUsKnowWhatYouThink? #NoThoughtTooSmall #WeAreLearningAndGrowingTogether

Perseverance personified!  Congratulations to all parties involved in the inspiring story of a Syrian refugee turned UNHCR ambassador. This exemplifies the potential benefits of immigration, highlighting the need for nations to develop policies that foster constructive immigration practices and reduce irregular migration rates. It's important to recognize that most migrants, both regular and irregular, are driven by significant motivations, such as economic opportunities, security concerns, professional development, education, family reunification, or escaping unfavorable circumstances in their home country. Many individuals resort to irregular migration due to lack of awareness, exploitation by unscrupulous actors, financial constraints, or overly restrictive visa application processes. By acknowledging these complexities, we can work towards creating more inclusive and effective immigration systems that benefit both migrants and host countries alike. #donoharm #weareallin #DEI #immigration #respectforall #refugees #diginity #respectforlife #Olympics #refugeeolympics #worldrefugeeday #forthe100million #yusramardini #syrianrefugees #refugeeolympicteam #paris2024 UNHCR, the UN Refugee AgencyUNHCR Canada Canadian Red Cross Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada IOM - UN Migration IOM Cambodia United Nations United Nations Volunteers European Leadership U.S. Department of StateUnited States Department of Defense The Canadian Press  Samaritan's Purse