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“As a Latin American, I know how important it is to build community and show solidarity towards the people who are suffering”, said the goodwill ambassador of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Alfonso Herrera, returning from a visit to Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia.
The renowned actor, widely known for his roles in theater, film and television (in productions such as Ozark, Sense8 and Rebelde) and who has championed the UNHCR cause since 2016, asked Latin Americans to extend to all who suffer in the world the same support and compassion that they show towards their region when it comes to overcoming adversities.
According to him, when they undertake collective action makes a difference in the lives of people affected by war and displacement.
Stories of loss and separation
Herrera said that the stories of loss, separation, and suffering she heard during her trip they broke their hearts.
“Displaced people affected by war need our support. Nobody chooses to be a refugee, and, whether in our region or anywhere in the world, people whose lives have been uprooted by war and conflict need safety and dignity during displacement and, ultimately, a chance to return to their homes in conditions peaceful and safe,” he said.
He added that while the suffering he witnessed is enormous, it is also could observe great strength and resilience of people displaced or affected in any way by violence.
On his way through Ukraine, Herrera visited a shelter for internally displaced persons and spoke with families whose houses were damaged or completely destroyed by the bombing.
UNHCR’s work
He also saw the work that UNHCR does in collaboration with local authorities and other humanitarian agencies to provide cash aid, protection, psychosocial assistance and legal advice.
It also distributes basic supplies for the home and housing assistanceincluding prefabricated housing units for people left homeless.
On his way through Poland, Alfonso Herrera visited two shelters near the border with Ukraine, where he spoke with refugees with disabilities, and spoke to women and children about the conditions they face in exile, such as not being able to work or study.
In Slovakia, the UNHCR ambassador heard the difficulties faced by mothers to receive support in caring for their young children, as well as the need to have options to rebuild their lives.
Alfonso Herrera learned about some psychosocial support programs offered to refugees, including a children’s workshop focused on mental health, as well as a drama masterclass for refugee university students in which he urged them to take an active role in their own development and contribute to the host community.
UNHCR data indicates that since the start of hostilities in Ukraine in February last year, about a third of the population has had to flee in search of safetyadding five million internally displaced Ukrainians and millions more refugees in other European countries.
