As we reflect on 2024, it's heartening to see the incredible stories of resilience, creativity, and community that have emerged in Switzerland and around the world for people forced to flee. This year, we have witnessed the positive impact that art, sports, and education can have in the lives of refugees. From innovative fundraising initiatives to inspiring personal journeys, these stories highlight the hope and strength of those forced to flee and the profound impact of our collective support.
Join us as we celebrate these encouraging moments and the remarkable individuals who remind us of the importance of hope and solidarity.
Tadesse Abraham: Giving back to the Swiss society that welcomed him
Tadesse Abraham’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From walking 20 km to school every day to representing Switzerland in marathons and long-distance running at the Olympics, his story has inspired us all to chase our dreams this year. As a former refugee from Eritrea, Tadesse has seamlessly integrated into Swiss society, with sports playing a pivotal role. What better way to show gratitude to the country and its people who welcomed him than by winning medals on their behalf? Tadesse’s achievements remind us that with determination and support, anything is possible.
The importance of economic opportunities with Anastasiia, refugee from Ukraine
Anastasiia's story is truly uplifting. After fleeing Ukraine, she found safety in Switzerland but faced linguistic and cultural barriers. Thankfully, she found Powercoders, a Swiss non-profit that offers IT training and job opportunities to refugees. Through their coding bootcamp, Anastasiia gained valuable experience and adapted to the local work culture. She shared with us the importance of listening to refugees and providing them with opportunities to use their skills.
Insights from the field with Shoko Shimozawa on UNHCR operations
Who better to discuss UNHCR’s field operations than Shoko Shimozawa, the agency’s Emergency Director, who has been with UNHCR since 1991? She shared with us how UNHCR is on the ground within 72 hours to respond to emergencies, detailing how these crises are managed and how success is measured. At the core of UNHCR’s daily work in 136 countries is their dual mandate of protection and solutions. Shoko’s insights highlight the dedication and efficiency of UNHCR’s efforts worldwide.
A historic year for refugees at the Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games were truly memorable, especially for the Refugee Olympic and Paralympic teams who made us incredibly proud. With their largest teams since the creation of the teams in 2016, they celebrated a historic milestone by winning their first-ever medal, thanks to Cindy Ngamba in the 75kg boxing category.
To mark this occasion, we spoke with Luna Solomon, a young sports shooter from Eritrea, and Musa Suliman, a middle-distance runner from Sudan, both now residing in Switzerland. Their stories remind us of one powerful truth: sports helped them discover their identities after being forced to flee. It made integrating into Swiss society easier and gave them a renewed sense of purpose.
Art for Change: When art and blockchain meet to support underfunded refugee crises
In a heartwarming initiative launched this year, our Art for Change subscription programme has beautifully merged art and humanitarian aid. Partnering with Swiss artist PanpanCucul and EverdreamSoft, this innovative project offers subscribers exclusive digital collectibles each month representing one of the most underfunded crises, with proceeds supporting these displacement crises. Such a programme answers the need to have regular donations to be able to plan humanitarian support ahead while offering special art pieces to collect, putting creativity at the heart of innovative fundraising.
Badreddin’s incredible journey from Syria to Switzerland
Badreddin’s story truly touched our hearts in 2024. Fresh from the World Cycling Championships, he reflected on his incredible journey. His passion for cycling began in Syria, but the war forced him to put his dreams on hold. With an unbelievable fleeing story, he made it to safety in Switzerland. Now, speaking with a perfect Bernese accent, Badreddin believes that learning the local language and participating in community activities like sports are crucial for integration. He encourages all Swiss people to engage with refugees and take an interest in their stories.
Holiday fun with a purpose: Top 3 video games
Looking for something engaging to do during the holidays? Here are three video games that provide unique perspectives on the refugee experience.
From guiding Nour to safety with each of your decisions, to experiencing Abdullah’s journey fleeing Syria as a young artist, to navigating the challenges of surviving in a war-torn city and making tough moral choices, these games will immerse you in the complex and often heart-wrenching journey of refugees. Dive in and understand how the journey of a refugee is one of impossible choices.
Ending the year on a high note with Caran d’Ache
We wrapped up the year on a high note with the Geneva-based Swiss brand, Caran d’Ache. They partnered with Switzerland for UNHCR for their Colourful Days campaign, pledging to donate 20% of sales to support girls' education through UNHCR’s Primary Impact Programme. Already dedicated to helping children in Switzerland, Caran d’Ache decided to expand their impact globally by choosing us as their trusted partner. This collaboration is a wonderful example of how businesses can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people forced to flee worldwide.
As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and generosity that have made these stories possible. Each initiative and each success is a testament to the difference you have made for refugees this year.
As we look forward to the new year, let's continue to be compassionate and stand with refugees, ensuring they have the opportunities and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with Switzerland for UNHCR. Here's to more inspiring stories and impactful initiatives in 2025!