‘It is the community that first looks after refugees’

SANDTON – Every two seconds a person is forced to leave their home to seek refuge in another country.

Kristen Davis smiles as she remembers a heart-warming story with her work at UNHCR. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) works tirelessly to protect the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people, as well as assist in their voluntary repatriation.

The Women to Women event on 15 August hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre aimed at not only raising much-need funds but to highlight the plight of those forced to leave their homes.

Guests were treated to rubbing shoulders with world-famous actress Kristen Davis and Lira opened the event with her stunning songs.

A video from the UNHCR explained that the world now has the most amount of refugees since World War II. Syria has the most amount of refugees (22.5 million) while Africa hosts one-third of the world’s total amount.

Sarah Kombasa, who is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, spoke about her journey to South Arica. Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie

Head of UNHCR’s Private Partnerships and Philanthropy in Africa, Needa Jehu-Mazou explained, “Every two seconds, someone is forced to leave their home. Sixty per cent are female and 50 per cent are children. Therefore, one can say that the face of a refugee is that of a girl.”

Needa Jehu-Mazou, Sarah Kombasa and Leanne Manas are apart of the panel for the Women to Women UNHCR fundraiser. *Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie*

The fundraiser sought to help sponsor a person in need, it costs around R1 400 to educate a refugee for one year which is a sobering thought when considering that, according to the UNHCR, only 1 per cent have access to university.

TV personality Uyanda Mbuli looks stunning in her red dress. *Photo: Ashtyn Mackenzie*

Around 250 celebrities and businesswomen listened to UNHCR goodwill ambassador Kristen Davis speak about the horrific but inspirational stories she experienced during her work with the organisation. She explained that one would expect deep sorrow inside the camps but especially with children, ‘there are always smiles and that shows the strength of the human spirit’.

UNHCR representative Leonard Zulu speaks about the importance of the community to help those in need. *Photo: Supplied*

UNHCR representative Leonard Zulu added that refugees don’t land at the doorstep of the organisation but the community at large. “We are reaching out to move the population to know how important is to look after those in need. It is the community first who looks after refugees,” said Zulu.